Obituaries
Constance Thullen
August 10, 1948 - July 5, 2025
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VISITATION
July 10, 2025 | 3:00 - 9:00 P.M. -
Yurs Funeral Home
1771 West State Street (Rt. 38)
Geneva, Illinois - Funeral Mass
- July 11, 2025 | 10:30 A.M.
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St. John Neumann Catholic Church
2900 East Main Street (Rt. 64)
St. Charles, Illinois -
Burial Location
Private
Connie Thullen, age 76, passed away peacefully at her home in Saint Charles, Illinois on Saturday, July 5th , 2025 after a long and incredibly hard-fought battle with ovarian cancer.
Born on August 10th , 1948 to her parents, Casimir and Bernice, Constance Marie Dzialo grew up in Chicago with her younger siblings, Alice, Peter and Annette. Following her graduation from Immaculata High School in 1966, Connie earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from DePaul University in 1970. Soon after her marriage to Raymond Kustusch in 1971, she welcomed her son, Matthew, into the world in 1974.
Following her divorce in 1978, Connie dedicated herself to her own independence and, as a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide the absolute best opportunities for her son. With continued perseverance, Connie established a very successful career in the telecommunications industry. In 1984, she willingly embraced the difficult decision to leave Chicago and moved to Succasunna, New Jersey. For four years, Connie maintained a delicate balance between being a dedicated leader for AT&T and selfless mother for her growing boy.
Upon her return to Illinois in 1987, Connie purchased a home in Northbrook and would soon embark on what would become her greatest adventure. She married the love of her life, John Thullen, on May 29th, 1994. Their marriage was built on the strongest of foundations. It was a lifelong trust that would never falter, affording each individual the opportunity to be the most honest versions of themselves. Their promise to each other on that day has truly stood the test of time.
Connie’s unconditional dedication to those she loved has touched the lives of many. May her intelligence, creativity, curiosity and strength be an eternal inspiration to those she left behind.
She is survived by her children, Matthew Kustusch (Kelly), stepchildren, Matthew Thullen (Lila) and Angela Baker (William) and grandchildren, Connor, Tyler, Eli, Maggie, Lucille, Frances, Isaiah and Lena.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, July 10th , from 3-9 PM at Yurs Funeral Home (1771 W. State Street in Geneva, Illinois 60134). The funeral mass will take place on Friday, July 11th , beginning at 10:30 AM at St. John Neumann Catholic Church (2900 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174) immediately followed by a celebratory luncheon (details to follow).
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the DePaul University general scholarship fund. Without knowledge, action is useless.
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Condolences
Mary Beribak from Elgin, IL
"Sincere condolences to John and family. Connie was always a joy to be with, when joining our “Field’s Girls” group of friends for over 50 years! We were blessed to have her in our lives. Connie will always have a place in our hearts!💕"
Anna Rejowska Gumulak from Barcice, AK
"It is hard to put into words how grateful and happy I am that Connie came into my life. Her warmth, wisdom and kindness are an unparalleled role model for me. Whenever I think about how extraordinary her relationship was with our family in Poland, the more it seems incredible and special. I will miss her laughter, her brilliant sense of humor and her sensitivity to beauty. I believe that one day we will meet in a place where no one will ask for your passport and where language boundaries do not exist. Connie always spoke about her family with the greatest love, she was proud of them. At this sad time, I offer you my deepest condolences and join you in mourning."
Kris Grever from Schaumburg , IL
"Connie was a kind, smart, warm and funny friend. Met her late in life but enjoyed many hours of friendship and laughter. Her love for John she shared often. Prayers and condolences for her family."
Dorota Rejowska-Gabryś from Barcice Dolne , AK
"It was an honor and a blessing to know Connie. She was a wonderful, loving person. She nurtured strong family relationships and cherished every moment she had. I will miss her. Love you Connie ♥️♥️♥️"
Catherine Sigler from Colorado Springs, CO
"As lifelong friends, Connie's parents and ours were very close despite our parents having moved to Michigan. Connie and John carried on the tradition including hosting us in Illinois and then visiting me in Colorado. She was a woman of many accomplishments and skills. I particularly enjoyed Connie's sense of humor and infectious laugh. She will be missed."
Luke OLoughlin from Henderson, NV
"We are thinking of Aunt Connie, Uncle John, and all of our family today. We wish we could be there in person to help celebrate her life and support everyone. Sending all of our love. —Luke, Alisha, Colin, Mara, Harvey, and Fiona"
Diane (Suterko) Konwinski from Grand Rapids, MI
"Connie was always fun to be around! We knew each other through our parents who were great friends. I always enjoyed learning about all of Connie’s travels, especially the trips to Poland."
Jessie (Schoenfeldt) Hehmeyer from Chicago, IL
"To Connie’s many loved ones, I’m so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in each other and feel her love with you and in you, always.Jessie"
Carol and Darryl Mest from Aurora, CO
"We are so incredibly sad to extend our sympathy to John, Matt, and her extended family...and our earthly good-byes to Connie. We became fast friends in 1974 as neighbors in our "first/beginners'" neighborhood in Lombard IL. Our "stair-step" kids played together often. Together we navigated some unhappy years, we moved away, but Connie and Matt continued to visit us annually in our new location on the river in St Anne IL. Our friendship withstood miles of separation for years with phone calls or marathon coffee dates! We knew each other well; she always brought insight and sense of humor into our situations! We, and our sons Brandon and Eric, think of her every year as we decorate our Christmas trees with Connie's handmade ornaments! See you on the other side, dear friend!"