James "Rusty" Thies

James "Rusty" Thies, 72, of Oglesby passed away May 1, 2025 at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 7, at Zion United Church of Christ in Peru with Pastor Alex Garncarz officiating. Visitation will be 4-7:00 PM Tuesday, May 6, at the Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle. Additional visitation will be in the church on Wednesday from 10:00 AM until time of services. Private burial will be at a later date at St. Vincent's Cemetery.

Rusty was born in Streator on November 19, 1952 to James W. and Delores (Gula) Thies. He attended Woodland School in Streator and graduated from Mendota High School. He married Mary Dergance on September 2, 1988. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran in Streator. Rusty was a heavy equipment operator at Illinois Cement in La Salle for 44 years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. 

Rusty is survived by his wife Mary of Oglesby; one son Jason (Angie) Thies of Tonica; one daughter Brianna Kupperschmid of Spring Valley; two granddaughters Kemper and Kora Kupperschmid; one brother Dennis (Doreen) Gula of Ottawa; three sisters Karen Thies of Peoria, Donna Gula of Streator, and Danielle (Roy) Gula-Mattox of GA; and a special friend Dean Schmidt of Oglesby.

He was preceded in death by his parents, aunts, and uncles.

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