Cathleen Eloise Thalken Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Cathleen Eloise Thalken, 92 of Ogallala, passed away Friday, January 1, 2016, at Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala. Cathleen was born December 10, 1923 at Sterling, Colorado, to Charles E. (Doc) and Clara A. (Trierweiler) Mueller. She graduated from Ogallala High School in 1941, and attended Colorado A & M in Fort Collins. On May 1, 1946, Cathleen married James Joseph Thalken, and the couple made their home in Ogallala. Their union was blessed with four children, Julie, Jim, Sally and Todd. Cathleen was a loving, dedicated wife and mother, and a loyal, caring friend. In 1965, she began working at the Guiding Star Girl Scout Council, eventually becoming the office manager. She retired in 1987 and later was honored with the Carolyn Sloan Spirit of Nebraska Award. Upon retirement, Cathleen enjoyed travel, spending winters in Oceanside, CA. Cathleen had a wonderful singing voice, and her love of music was a treasure that she passed along to her family. She was an ardent supporter of her children and grandchildren, and their various interests and activities. Cathleen was also one of the most dedicated fans of the North Platte Community College Lady Knights volleyball team, coached by daughter Sally for 34 seasons. Cathleen was a longtime active member of St. Luke's Catholic Church and Altar Society. She was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, PEO Chapter CL, and the VFW Auxiliary. She enjoyed getting together with friends for coffee, and was meticulous about her yard, landscaping and home decorating. Cathleen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joe in 1984; son, Jim in 2009; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Ardis Mueller; and twin sister and brother-in-law, Evaleen and Don McGinley. Survivors include her daughter, Julie (Bill) Mahaffy of Loveland, CO.; daughter-in-law, Peggy Thalken of Ogallala; daughter, Sally Thalken of North Platte; son Todd (Lois) Thalken of Kearney; 9 grandchildren, Bill (Billie) Mahaffy, Scott (Jacey) Mahaffy, Megan (Katlyn) Shoemaker, Allison Mahaffy Barnes, Eric (Allie) Thalken, Michael Thalken, Liza Thalken, Isabel Thalken, Rosamond Thalken; 9 great grandchildren, Michaelea, Ella Cathleen, Will, Evelyn, Madelyn, Zoey, Ben, May, James; and many other relatives and friends. Memorials are suggested to St. Luke's Catholic School in Cathleen's memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend. Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, January 8, 2015 at 10:30 AM at the St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with Father Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala with a Rosary being recited at St. Luke's Catholic Church at 6:00 PM. Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.

Cathleen Eloise Thalken

December 10, 1923 - January 1, 2016

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