Thelma Shipman Vorwald, age 100 years, passed away peacefully at home on 9/8/2025. She was born July 27th, 1925, in Gary, IN. She was preceded in death by her parents Emily Appel Shipman and William Wesley Shipman and her brothers William and Eugene Shipman. Thelma married William J. Vorwald on September 6th, 1947. They celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary on September 6th, 2022. William Vorwald passed away July 4th, 2023, age 97 years old. Thelma has 4 surviving children: Janet (John) Dohner of Chelsea, MI; Joanne (Ron) Whisler of Hayward, WI; Mary Jean (Rick) Schlegel of Zionsville, IN, and Robert (Jody) Vorwald of Sandy, UT. She also has 8 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. One grandson, Jake Whisler, passed away in 2023.
Thelma graduated from Lew Wallace High School in 1943, and later attended Gary College, earning her degree in 1947. After moving to Valparaiso, IN, Thelma worked as an ophthalmologist’s assistant to Dr. Daniel Evans, and then later with Dr. Louis Bejec. Upon her retirement, Bill and Thelma traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and several European countries. They also enjoyed researching their families’ genealogy. Thelma traced her roots to colonial America, with ancestors who fought in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. She also enjoyed watching sports and was a devoted fan of Purdue University teams as well as the Indianapolis Fever and Colts.
Bill and Thelma moved to Zionsville, IN in 2012 where they continued to enjoy many family celebrations. Thelma had an amazing life with many adventures, but her greatest joy was being with family. She was much loved as a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and aunt. She taught her family that the most important thing in life was to show love and acceptance to all, especially your family.
Her life will be celebrated at Moeller Funeral Home, in Valparaiso, IN on September 20, 2025. Calling will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., with funeral services immediately to follow. Private internment will be at Calumet Park Cemetery at a later date. Thelma was a devoted fan of public television (PBS). In lieu of flowers, family and friends may make donations to the PBS network or the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation (Home - Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation).
