Althea Hosek
Born Aug. 12, 1920 to Hugo “Boots” and Harriet (Reavy) Lehnen, Althea E. Lehnen — “Thea” lived a full life to age 92 — active and independent.
Modest beginnings in Springfield, Ill., and living through the Depression in high school was not enough to keep this woman from making her mark and touching the lives of all those around her.
A 1938 graduate of Springfield High School, she was on her own at 19 as a working woman traveling and living independently. She spent the years of World War II in bomber plant production — like so many of the “Greatest Generation” doing her part.
Post war years would find Thea on the beach in Miami — a setting she would return to throughout her life. She loved the ocean and it was on the beach she would meet her future husband and life partner Robert “Bob” H. Hosek. Fresh from the European Theater Bob had earned his wings as a B-25 pilot and would make a career of the U.S. Air Force.
They were married Dec. 28, 1948. Over the next 17 years Bob would advance from Lieutenant to Lieutenant Colonel and the family would relocate six times to as many states and territories. With each USAF relocation, Thea made sure any air base billet was a warm home for her growing family and those in need, something stray dogs seemed know.
Family was Thea’s priority as she and Bob raised three sons, Mike, Bryan and Eric. Bob retired as a command pilot in 1966 after 25 years in the cockpit. With the military behind them, Thea would make herself known in the private sector. Bob’s new position with Square D (Schneider Electric) found the family in Peru, Ind. It was in this north central Indiana town Thea would give to her community just as she had her family — it was home for the next 25 years. Thea’s family would grow once more with the adoption of Janie (Yare) in the late 60s.
Thea’s list of accomplishment in the 70s and 80s would make any family and community proud. From non-profits to local business involvement, Thea was on the board and getting things done for the United Way, Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and the local chamber of commerce.
During this period Thea was named Peru’s Woman of the Year and then later Miami County’s Citizen of the Year (the first woman to receive this honor). Along the way she became a successful Realtor and a leading fundraiser. Thea enjoyed many years in retirement with the Colonel, seeing more of the world and spending the summers in Montana and returning to the beaches of Florida for the winter.
After 60 years together, she was preceded in death by Bob in 2005, and her beloved older sister Eileen Saxer. To the end, she was proud and supportive of all her children and loving to her seven grandchildren.
Throughout her life Thea was a woman of charm, strength, poise, intellect, beauty, and grace. It was easy to tell where Thea stood for she lived her values and Christian beliefs out in front for others to see. She was not afraid to speak up against injustices, to support the right idea, or to lend a hand to others less fortunate, seeking nothing in return. The world was a better place for her actions and she lifted others up with her.
Thea passed peacefully in her home on Aug. 27, having lain down for a nap, she did not awake. Thanks for everything, Thea — rest easy in your faith, you earned it. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 19 in Bloomington, Ind., at the Trinity Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church.
Allen Funeral Home in Bloomington is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be sent to the family atwww.allenfuneralhome.org.