Harlean Thissen

Harlean Ann Thissen, 88, of Topeka, Kansas passed away May 18, 2022. She was born December 10, 1933, in Marysville, Kansas, of Sidney R. and M. Irene (Nisely) Hellman. She was a gentle and loving child with a thick head of naturally curly hair and restless feet. As soon as it was possible, Harlean was taking dance lessons. She was a success. In January of 1939, the Hellman’s moved to Hastings, Nebraska. Harlean was enrolled in kindergarten at St. Cecilia’s School immediately. The 12 years at St. Cecilia’s were happy ones. The best was high school when Harlean really blossomed. The piano lessons, the dancing and above all, the voice lessons were showing their worth. In May of 1951, she graduated as valedictorian of her class. Harlean then entered the novitiate of the Dominican Sisters of St. Catharine, Kentucky to become a member of that community of teaching religion. She remained in that community 14 years. In that time, she taught elementary school children, gave piano lessons and trained children’s choirs. Harlean always said she would not trade those years for anything. After receiving her dispensation of vows in 1965, Harlean returned to Nebraska. Kearney became her home. Between the University of Nebraska at Kearney and Dr. Paul University in Chicago, she completed her B.S. in Education. Then she was able to study full time for a year and earned her master’s degree in education. That year was special in another way also. It was the year she met her beloved, Jim. On August 8, 1969, Harlean received her M.S. and on August 23, 1969, she and James were married. Over the years Harlean completed studies by which she became a certified medical assistant and certified medical records technician. Her position at the Menninger Clinic as Assistant Director of Medical Records required ongoing study. Handwriting had always fascinated Harlean, so she took a two-year correspondence course to become a certified graphoanalyst. Other hobbies were porcelain paining, oil, water and acrylic painting. She loved to sing and, in her lifetime, found many opportunities to share her gift. She also volunteered her time in Topeka at V.A. Hospital, Ronald McDonald House and the Shawnee County Topeka Public Library. Harlean is survived by her sister Judy Crowley and husband Jack of Hastings, Nebraska. Other survivors are Betsy Egan and husband Pat and their children, Julie Kokrda and husband Dick and children Cyndie and Michael Wiesenand children, and Michael and Wendee Crowley and their children. She was preceded in death by her sister, Susan Hellman of Kearney, Nebraska. Harlean would like to extend a special thanks to Pat, Faye, T.J., Joyce and Bob – “Only God knows how much you have enhanced my life. And I would also like to thank the Thissen family in general for being such accepting and loving beings.” “She was a very gentle and caring Christian woman whose life had positive impact on all she met. She supported many causes for good and will be missed by many. Her life was a blessing for all who knew and loved her.” (Robert E. Ault) Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 24, 2022, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka KS 66614, with visitation 30 minutes prior. Burial will follow in West Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Catholic Church. Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.

Harlean Thissen

December 10, 1933 - May 18, 2022