Thole, Blake

Blake Allen Thole, 21, of Aviston, died Sunday, May 24, 2009 in Bond County, IL. He was born November 29, 1987 in Breese, son of Myron and Doris (Brandmeyer) Thole and they survive in Aviston. In addition to his parents he is survived by a sister, Brooke Thole of Aviston; paternal grandmother, Irene Thole of New Baden; maternal grandmother, Patricia C. Brandmeyer of Damiansville; aunts & uncles, Don & Mary Lee Thole and Mary & Matt Rakers all of Aviston, Allen & Julie Thole of Carlyle, Gerry & Mary Lou Thole of Highland, Dennis & Deb Thole of O’Fallon, MO, Roger & Mary Brandmeyer and Anita & Jerry Arentsen all of Damiansville, Brenda & Rusty Lappe of Breese, Lisa & Duane Niemeyer of Aviston, Brian & Mary Ann Brandmeyer of Germantown, Judy & Rob Savant of Edwardsville and Alan & Melissa Brandmeyer of Bakersfield, CA. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Alvis A. F. Thole and his maternal grandfather, Ralph H. "Rudy" Brandmeyer. Blake formerly worked at G.C. Unverfehrt Farm Supply, INC. and was currently employed by Tru Value in Lebanon, IL and Southern Illinois Maid-Rite, LLC. He graduated from Breese Central High School Class of 2006 with honors. He received an academic and football scholarship to McKendree College in Lebanon where he had just completed his third year. He was double majoring in accounting and economics/finance and qualified for the President’s List three times and the Dean’s List once. He expected to graduate in December of 2009. Blake’s achievements included, Illinois State Scholar; United States Achievement Academy National English Award winner; Mid-States Football Association All-Academic Team; and Illinois All-State Academic Team (high school). He was a member of St. Francis Parish in Aviston; he was a Big Brothers/Big Sisters volunteer for 2 years and was a member of Sigma Beta Delta at McKendree College. He was also a member of the International Honor Society in Business, Management, and Administration and planned to attend Northwestern University in Evanston, IL to become an attorney. A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2009, at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston with the Rev. Dan Friedman officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Francis Cemetery in Aviston. Friends may call after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2009 and from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at the Hempen Funeral Home in Aviston. Memorials may be made to the family.