Libby Gean Marie Thulen

As Libby would say, “You got this!” Libby Gean Marie Thulen, age 12, of Thomson, Illinois gained her angel wings on June 26, 2021 at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital, Iowa City, Iowa. Libby was born November 11, 2008, the daughter of Matt and Nicole (Tipton) Thulen.

If you were honored to know Libby you would have felt her unconditional love. Libby had a fierce love for life and everything it had to offer. While Libby’s life was too short, she left an imprint on more hearts than she could ever imagine. Regardless of what she was facing, she always had an infectious smile that was frequently paired with an eye roll.

Libby was just a normal kid stuck in an abnormal situation. She was always determined or “all-in” when she dedicated her mind to something. From saving the turtles that would wander out onto the roadways, or sticking up for some kid on the bus, Libby was determined to be a protector.

Her parents remember she was determined when she wanted to learn to ride a bike, the training wheels came off, bandages went on one-by-one, and by the end of the day she had it mastered. She was also determined to brighten up other kids' lives that were going through cancer treatments. She would make slime for those kids, with their favorite color right on the spot. Libby also had a great sense of humor, playing tricks and getting the most satisfaction by scaring people from behind and making them jump ten feet in the air.

Family gave Libby a solid foundation. She was courageous and kind. She enjoyed wrestling with her big brother Logan, just goofing around with Papa (taking his pens), shopping with Mom, and talking like best-friends with Dad. Her aunts and uncles also made life fun. As Libby fought against cancer since 2018, she spent a lot of time in hospitals, making close friends with other young patients and her care-givers. She was so grateful for the love and care shown by her medical teams, and also the support of her community back home.

Libby will be dearly missed by her parents, Matt and Nicole Thulen of Thomson; older brother, Logan; maternal grandparents, Dee Tipton (Phil Cartee) of Clinton and Frank Tipton of Thomson; paternal grandparents, Tammie Sipes (Tim Guenzler) of Savanna and the late Tom Sipes of Savanna; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Funeral service will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, July 2, 2021 at the Mt. Carroll Church of God with Pastor Vince Wilczynski officiating. Burial will be in Lower York Cemetery, Thomson. Visitation will be held 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, July 1, 2021 at the Mt. Carroll Church of God. You may watch Libby's service live by visiting her Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/770547143620703