On Friday, September 21, 2018, Erma Mae (Whalen) Thompson-Stiefel, passed away in Liberty Village of Freeport at the age of 90. Erma was born on August 23, 1928 in Gratiot, WI to Charles and Beatrice (McCoy) Whalen. She graduated from Shullsburg High School. She went to work at the Merchandizing Mart in Chicago for the US Treasury Department. She then returned to Warren where she was employed by the Citizen Bank. On August 1, 1948 she married John (Jack) Thompson. Together they raised six children along with owning and operating many local businesses. Erma and her husband started a shopper's guide, "The Flash" in 1953, publishing it weekly until selling it to Mahoney Publishing in 1992. The local businesses included Jack Thompson Builders, Warren Disposal, Suresoft Water and Apartment Rentals. A few years after the death of Jack she married Howard Stiefel on March 4, 2006. They enjoyed a life of playing cards and visiting family and friends.

Erma has a passion for playing cards. She also loved spending time with her family. She served as Treasurer of Warren Library for more than 30 years. She was an original member of Warren Development Corp and the Mother's Study Club which was instrumental in helping for Black Hawk Park District. She was also a member of Warren United Methodist Church. She was involved in many card clubs and organized various card playing events.

Erma was preceded in death by her father and mother, her brother Charles (Chuck) Whalen, first husband, second husband, and daughter Rebecca Thompson-Robbins.

She is survived by her children Deborah (Ronald) Schromen, John "Jeff" (Shirley) Thompson, William (Theresa) Thompson, James (Lynne) Thompson, and Ken (Marcia) Thompson, her nine grandchildren Ryan (Julie) Thompson, Nicholas (Lisa) Thompson, Jessica (George) Gentzel, Jakob (Nicole) Thompson, Kelli (Bill) Sekulovich, Derek (Angel) Thompson, Scott (Michelle) Thompson, Ashley Thompson, and Natalie Thompson along with 10 great-grandchildren Hayden Thompson, Monica Thompson, Cooper Kopp, Ethan Thompson, Maggie Thompson, Malia Thompson, Noah Thompson, Nolan Thompson, Evelyn Thompson, and Cole Thompson.

Per her wishes, the family will have a private service at a later date.

A memorial has been established in her name.

The family wishes to thank FHN Hospice for the care their mother received.