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Thelma Nopoulos Obituary
Thelma J. Nopoulos
September 26, 1931-April 29, 2020
WILTON-Thelma J. Nopoulos, age 88, lifetime resident of Wilton, Iowa, died on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at the Wilton Retirement Community, Wilton, Iowa. Her death came shortly after she was failing in health and decided not to seek additional medical treatment. Private family burial will take place in Oakdale Cemetery, Wilton. The graveside service will be live streamed on Bentley Funeral Homes Facebook Page, via Facebook Live. In lieu of flowers or other expressions of sympathy, the family requests that donations be made to the Nopoulos Family Scholarship Fund at the Wilton High School in Thelma's memory. Condolences may be left online at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com
Born in Wilton on September 26, 1931 to Pete and Hazel (Camp) Soteros, Thelma's drive and entrepreneurial spirit lead her from humble beginnings to become one of eastern Iowa's most well-known citizens. Thelma was industrious and worked many odd jobs from an early age. Little did she know that a part time job at the Wilton Candy Kitchen would lead to her life's path.
Upon graduation from high school, Thelma married George Nopoulos, owner and proprietor of the Wilton Candy Kitchen. Over the next 70 years, Thelma and George worked together serving the public. At the Wilton Candy Kitchen, she would entertain visitors such as Gregory Peck, Brooke Shields, Mark Zuckerberg, President and Mrs. Eisenhower, and support Gov. Terry Branstad, U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley, U.S. Senator Mitt Romney, U.S. Congressman James Leach, and many more. She backed local celebrations such as RAGBRAI, Wilton Days, Memorial Day and Veterans Day, and was instrumental in community business development and assisted the town financially through fund raising and personal donations.
A member of the Wilton Historical Society, Thelma was active in the renovation of the Wilton Train Depot and its subsequent listing onto the National Registry of Historic Places. She then listed the Wilton Candy Kitchen on the National Historic Registry as well. In 2005, she published a book, "Our Town Speaks 1855-2005". This book chronicles the history of Wilton, Iowa.
Thelma supported education and as a participant in the Wilton Partners in Education program, she offered many programs. She managed the Nopoulos Family Scholarship Foundation for area high school seniors and was a lifetime member of the University of Iowa President's Club. She was a member of the United Methodist Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Wilton Chamber of Commerce and the Wilton Library Board. Thelma served as President of the PTA and Sunday School Superintendent. She was also member of the American Soda Jerks Association. In 2003, George and Thelma were named the first official Lifetime Ambassadors of the City of Wilton and served as Grand Marshalls of the Wilton Founders Day Parade. Throughout the years, they proudly promoted Wilton through national and local television appearances and newspaper articles. Above all, Thelma loved her family and enjoyed the time she spent with them.
Thelma is survived and lovingly remembered by her siblings; brother, Peter Soteros and his wife, Beverly; and sister, Karen Fischlein. She is also survived in loving remembrance by her children; Dr. Gus Nopoulos and his wife, Jennifer, Dr. Peter Nopoulos and his wife, Kathleen, Margaret Glatfelter and her husband, Richard Middleton and Nicholas "Nic" Nopoulos; as well as three grandchildren, Katherine Glatfelter, Alexandra Nopoulos, and Alexander Glatfelter.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Hazel Soteros; husband, George; brothers, Gerald Soteros and Larry Soteros; and by her sisters, Mary Ford and Betty Waite. She was also preceded in death by her loving granddaughters, Amy Nopoulos and Megan Nopoulos. Thelma will be truly missed by all her family and friends.
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Memories and Condolences
for Thelma Nopoulos
Sponsored by Bentley Funeral Home - Durant.
Auston Hannes
November 14, 2023
Thelma, I want to thank you as a friend because I learned about the Wilton Candy Kitchen when I was knee-high to a grasshopper. You and George were nice to me and my parents when we lived in Wilton.
From your favorite customer,
Auston
P.S,
I'll miss your famous Pink Ladies
Ronnie Brundies
June 3, 2020
Thelma and her husband George, people don't come any kinder than them, they graciously hosted an antique car cruise in that I participated in several years ago, just wonderful humans. May God Bless the Nopolous family in their time of grief.
Deborah Geering
May 16, 2020
Wilton has lost the Matriarch of the town. She will be missed by all. I have great memories from my younger years going to The Candy Kitchen. My thoughts and prayer are with Thelma and her family. May she forever see the glory of Our Lord.
Jerry Hilgenberg
May 8, 2020
Thelma and I go way back to our school days..both graduating in the class of 1949.Her friendship and kindness to our entire family,especially my Mother in her later years was very supportive and appreciated.
We have a lifetime of wonderful memories of both Thelma and George and the Candy Kitchen. They were the heart of Wilton..and touched the lives of so many. Their memory will endure. Our condolences to the entire Nopoulos family.
Rev. James Vrba
May 7, 2020
I am so grateful to both Thelma and George for their support in the building of the new Saint Mary's Catholic Church in Wilton. Thelma donated two musical instruments: herpersonal ebony studio piano that was used in the parish hall while the new church was being built; and the donation of the Yamaha Clavinova digital piano for the church. She was always concerned about the well-being of Wilton. May our risen Lord bless both of them with eternal life - and bless the Nopoulos family with the Easter gifts of hope and love.
Ruby (Finck) Ferris
May 6, 2020
I knew Thelma ,back in the days of Lamps store on the corner , I would walk over and get an ice cream
cone. while my mom would get groceries. I'm 91 years of age,Thelma was always friendly.
Jenny and Ken Gorsuch-Berryhill
May 6, 2020
Our condolences to Pete and all the family at this difficult time. Many good lifetime memories of Thelma come rushing back with our family and with our town. She made a difference.
Teri & Tom Moeller
May 6, 2020
Thank you to the family for sharing your mom's service. I loved her life story. Amazing lady. Her memory will live on. Our sympathy to you all.
terry Martz
May 6, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss, I enjoyed her very much
May 4, 2020
We were customers at the Candy Kitchen maybe half a dozen times over the years and enjoyed it every time. The last time we were there when George and Thelma were both there, George wasn't strong enough to carry a 5 gallon container of ice cream from the freezer to the soda fountain counter. So he asked us, as the customer to carry the ice cream for him. it was so sweet and fun. We only knew them as customers, but it was a grand treat to go into such a great piece of Americana, eat good ice cream, and chat with folks who had worked at the same job for 60 or 70 years. What a great American success story they were. God bless them and their family.
Lenore Sprague
May 4, 2020
We would like to express our sympathy for your loss. Thelma was an amazing and passionate person. We were neighbors during our time we lived in Wilton. The love for her family, community and wanting to make a positive difference in the lives she touched. She was a great neighbor and friend to all. Thelma will be remembered forever in our hearts.
Lenore And Steve Sprague
Fr. Basil Papanikolaou
May 4, 2020
We would like to express our deep empathy and love to Thelma's family! The Candy Kitchen and its long and illustrious history, with the pictures of Thelma, George and Gus remaining indelible in my memory! As a priest of 30 years at the Rock Island Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, I had the honor of being a close friend of them, taking a group pf senior parishioners every summer to enjoy Thelma's friendship and generosity, expressed with unforgettable conversations about their background, visits to her little museum behind the restaurant and, of course, with servings of their unique ice cream!
May she rest in eternal peace, along with her deceased wonderful family!
Fr. Basil & Chris Papanikolaou
Jeff , Karen , falloyn Grunder
May 4, 2020
We have known Thoma for a very long time. Huge asset to the Wilton community, she will be missed
Carol Klock
May 3, 2020
Our sincere condolences to the Nopoulos family. Dr. Gus, Jen and Alexandra, we are so sorry for your loss. Losing one's Mom is like losing your compass. It's hard to find true north again. May she rest in eternal peace in the arms of the Lord. We wish you strength and peace.
Nancy
May 3, 2020
Nic, May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Nancy and staff at Revell Jewelers
Teri Carson
May 3, 2020
We are deeply saddened by Thelmas passing. She was such a good neighbor and dedicated woman. We were truly blessed to know her. Our hugs and prayers to all. She will certainly be missed. Jeff and Teri Carson
Lori (Hartley) Hadley
May 2, 2020
My deepest sympathies to the entire family, sending hugs and prayers to you all. Loved going to see Thelma and George after school growing up. She did a lot for the town and will be missed by all.
Lori Brown
May 2, 2020
Sympathies for Thelma She certainly was a big supporter of Wilton
Michael Heinrich
May 2, 2020
When The XL's went to Hollywood in 1967, Thelma wrote a letter to us stating how proud she was of us, representing Wilton and Durant, and wished us all well.
Over 50 years later, The XL's performed for the 150th Anniversary celebration of the Candy Kitchen.
She will always be remembered by Bob, Joe, Gary, Les, Craig and Mike as a loyal XL's "groupie".
Rest in Peace, Thelma. We love you.
Jennifer Nopoulos
May 2, 2020
I have known my mother in law for over 30 years: she was always strong, a community leader, loved a challenge, and was very generous. I'm forever grateful for the son she raised.
Gene and Debbie Taylor
May 2, 2020
We were so sorry to hear of Thelma's passing. She definitely was a promoter of Wilton, always bringing our little town into the spotlight. She loved being at the Candy Kitchen and I remember her saying that everybody went there to see George. She would say "I am the business part and he is the entertainer, that's how we keep in business!" and she would laugh. I remember how hard she worked on her History of Wilton book, wanting to preserve Wiltons history. She was very supportive with our High School events. I remember seeing her and George attend many activities. At graduation time, she encourage the seniors to apply for scholarships, because she knew the importance of continuing their education. I know she was proud of the success of each student leaving Wilton High School because it was a reflection of our town. Thank you Thelma, We will always honor your memory! We will miss her.
Christa Sloup
May 2, 2020
She will be truly missed she was the heart and soul of Wilton loved seeing her at candy kitchen growing up
Marianne McGinnis
May 2, 2020
My husband and I have a fond memory of Thelma and her husband. We were traveling one weekend and came across their place, they werent open yet so when we called to inquire when they would open they said well be right there. They were so nice and friendly spending time with us. We have often thought about them...such a lovely couple. God bless.
My portrait of Thelma in 1998
Robert Campagna
May 2, 2020
For many years I would bring my photography students to visit the Candy Kitchen. Thelma and George were most gracious to us wandering artists. Their gentle and welcoming nature was wonderful, and they always invited us back again and again. They both are appreciated and missed.
Holly Bellinger
May 2, 2020
I am lost for words.. Her and George were what made wilton that one place we all wanted to go to .. Such great memories I will always hold near my heart.. She was an increadable woman . your in our thoughts and preyers. The late Kathleen proctor/ kirk daughter s Holly Jo, and Marsha , sons Dustin and Harlan Scott..
Cheryl White
May 1, 2020
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. She was a staple for Wilton. I can remember her for probably around 60 yrs. She lived by my grandparents. Prayers to all of you kids!
J. Miller
May 1, 2020
Thelma and George were dear friends who helped me greatly a number of times. Thelma was a force of nature that few could surpass. Wilton and the entire region has lost one of the best.
Bob Lanaghan
May 1, 2020
My condolences and prayers go out to your family. I knew Nic in the 80s when I lived in Iowa City.
Pam Freeland
May 1, 2020
Thelma was such a great presence in our little town! She, George and Gus were a part of so many of our lives, so many of our memories! The Nopolous Family are now just a great legend and they will be missed, but those of us fortunate enough to have them in our lives will always have our memories of the great times we had in their little soda shop!
Vicki Zdychnec-Mueller
May 1, 2020
Thelma was one of a kind. A true blessing to Wilton and the lives of so many. I have such great memories of the Candy Kitchen. Prayers of comfort and peace for all.
Helene McClean Lubaroff
May 1, 2020
Thelma was a wonderful, remarkable person. Our little town and the whole world are much better for having been graced by her presence. She will be deeply missed. My deepest condolences to the entire family.
Ruth Cushman
May 1, 2020
You will be missed. I treasure your friendship and advice. My condolences to her family and friends.
Jeanette Taylor-Sherwood
May 1, 2020
My deepest sympathies to the entire family. Thelma was a force for good in Wilton and will be sorely missed. The Candy Kitchen was and is a staple of Wilton.
Jeanette Taylor Sherwood
Melanie Allgood Berry
May 1, 2020
Thelma was a beautiful, strong woman who will be missed. She was a fixture in my childhood with George and the Candy Kitchen. I am sure she is wearing a big beautiful hat at the soda shop in Heaven.
Cindy Fargo
May 1, 2020
I always enjoyed visiting with her. My deepest sympathy to you Nic and your family.
Lou Jipp
May 1, 2020
Thelma was a great big part of Wilton, she will be deeply missed. The Jipp family
Carol Christensen
April 30, 2020
Thelma and George and Gus were a big part of my childhood! Loved the Candy Kitchen! Thelma was a beautiful lady; always kind and gracious. Rest In Peace Thelma. Thanks for the memories. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Tom and Connie Zeleny
April 30, 2020
We are so saddened. A great lady-When our grandkids were younger and came to stay, they always wanted to go eat at "that ladies place." George better have the ice cream scoop ready for her.
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