Tillie Elizabeth Thorkelson
Birth 3 May 1872 in Racine, Racine, Wisconsin
Death 2 Mar 1956 in Racine, Racine, Wisconsin


Miss Tillie E. Thorkelson, of 2008 Washington Ave., who was active in Racine club andcommunity activities, died todayat her home.Miss Thorkelson, who was treasurer of S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. for a number of years before she retired in 1937, was a charter board member of both the Racine Community Chest and the Racine Welfare Council. First and only lifetime honorary member of the Welfare Council, Miss Thorkelson retired from Community Chest work in the fall of 1950 after 27 years of service to the organization.She was treasurer of the Welfare Council for five years previous to her retirement. Worked on Organizing Miss Thorkelson worked closely with H. F. Johnson in the organization of the Chest in 1923. She not only saw the Racine Community Chest grow to its present size and significance to the life of the community, but witnessed, too, the rise of the S. C. Johnson firm. Miss Thorkelson was associated with the Johnson company since the days when the firm had not yet specialized in wax and the office staff included, besides herself and two others, the company's founder, S. C. Johnson, and his son. Woman of Year Miss Thorkelson, a charter honorary member of Altrusa Club since 1937, was named its "Woman of the Year" in 1950. Born in Racine, she was a lifelong resident of this city. Active in religious life of the community, she was a charter member of the Grange Ave. Methodist Church and a board member of the YWCA. She also served on the Racine Woman's Club. Survivors Include a brother, William L. Thorkelson, of Racine; a sister. Miss Bertha Thorkelson, also of Racine; and a sister-in-law, Mrs. C. E. Thorkelson, of Decatur, 111. Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Monday in the funeral home, 1139 Blaine Ave., with Rev. Stanley Matz officiating. Burial will be in Mound Cemetery. 2 Mar 1956.