Thelma (Clare) Kroetz Tegarden

Thelma Kroetz Tegarden (Clare)

Weve all known our Mom so long its hard to easily describe her. Irrepressible and determined would partly do it. Kind and caring would, as well. Born to John and Elizabeth Kroetz on May 15, 1918, Thelma had a happy childhood and matriculated to Shortridge High School, where she met Bob Tegarden. Though she dreamed of going to college, few girls did in those days, and she and Bob married in 1940. As they started a family, he enlisted in the Pacific Fleet. Though Thelma traveled to meet him in Colorado and California during the war, she set up home in Indianapolis, where their family of four enjoyed an All-American life full of school, sports, family and social activities. Mom was driver, doctor, cook and counselor. She was never shy to express her opinion but totally fair in her judgment. She is survived by three of her four children: Steve (Barb) Tegarden, Indianapolis, Shari (Doug) Mustain, Galesburg, IL, and Sally (Mike) Deckard, Bloomington. She was pre-deceased by Scott, (Suzanne) Tegarden, Indianapolis. She had 15 wonderful grandkids and 11 beautiful great-grandkids. She had many friends in Indianapolis, Galesburg and Sun City, FL and outlived most of them. She also had a hole in one at age 77 (1995), which she explained as dumb luck. Well all miss our Mom. She was a trooper who set a high standard for our family to follow.
Clares family wishes to highlight her significant contributions of time, talent, and treasure to many and varied charitable and philanthropic causes. They welcome all of her family and friends to donate in her name and honor to that cause which most deeply touches your heart.
Celebration of Clares 97 years will be held at Flanner and Buchanan-Washington Park North, 2706 Kessler Blvd. W. Dr. Indianapolis, Indiana on Friday, November 6 at 4 PM, with calling beginning at 2pm.