Margaret Hoffman Thilges 1847-1934

THILGES, HOFFMAN, GALES, REDING

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 8/10/2012 at 10:02:07

July 19, 1934 - Algona Upper Des Moines - Mrs. Nick Thilges, Pioneer Lady of Riverdale, Died Friday - Mother of One of Kossuth's Largest Families Leaves Many Descendants - St. Joe - Mrs. Margaret Thilges passed away at her home five miles northwest of St. Joe Friday evening, July 13th, at the age of 87 years, 6 months and 9 days.

Margaret Hoffman was born January 4, 1847, in Hamm, Germany. At the age of four she came to this country with her parents and settled at Luxemberg, Iowa. At the age of 22 she married Nicholas Thilges and came to Kossuth county and was among the first settlers, being about 65 years ago, and lived in sod houses.

Mr. Thilges died in 1893 at the age of 62, about 41 years ago. Margaret Thilges was the mother of 11 children, 3 girls and 8 boys. August and Barbara have preceded her in death.

Those surviving are Peter, Mike, Mrs. Chris Gales, Henry, Nick, Mrs. Jim Reding, Casper, and James, all from this vicinity and Raney from Tracy, Minn., also 45 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren survive. Funeral services were held in St. Joseph's church Monday morning at nine o'clock with Rev. Father Theobald reading the requiem high mass. Interment was in St. Joseph cemetery. The pall bearers were six grandsons: Raymond Thilges, Alfred Thilges, Aloysius Gales, Ralph Reding, Tony Thilges and Alphonse Thilges.