Clara M. Thies

THIES

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/17/2008 at 16:18:02

Mrs. Alfred Thies

Clara Margaretha Niemann, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Niemann, was born in Shelby county, Iowa. She prepared for high school in the public schools of the county and attended the Shelby high school until her parents moved to Avoca in 1906, when she entered the Avoca high school. When she was 15 years of age, her mother died and she then assumed the duties of housekeeping for her father, and taking her mother’s place in the home.

On December 18, 1910, she was married to Alfred Thies. To them were born three children. Clarence, who is not a senior in high school, two daughters: Helen, and Eleanor who is seventeen months old.

Mrs. Thies was member of the Order of Eastern Star for a number of years until family cares caused her to withdraw. She hoped to reunite as soon as circumstances became more favorable. When she was 16 years of age she was confirmed in the Lutheran church, but when her husband and children united with the Presbyterian church, she transferred her membership. She was an active member of the Social Circle and a willing and faithful worker in the social affairs of the church.

As a result of the flu, laryngitis developed and complications set in, causing her condition to become so serious that she was rushed to the hospital at Council Bluffs at 2 o’clock Saturday morning, Jan 5.

She made a most heroic fight to live and was conscious almost to the very last. The doctors and nurses did everything humanly possible but to no avail, and she fell asleep at 1:30 on Wednesday morning, January 9th.

Rev. Kilmer, her pastor, called on her at the hospital on Tuesday, the day before her death. She remarked to her sister, Martha that it made her so happy and it seemed to reconcile her for the inevitable.

She is survived by her husband, three children; one sister, Mrs. Merritt True and three brothers: Carl of Texas, John of Omaha, and Henry of Avoca, besides many other relatives and friends who will miss her presence but in whose hearts and memories she will ever live.

The funeral services were held at her home on Friday afternoon and burial took place in the Avoca cemetery. A large concourse of friends and relatives filled the home to overflowing. Her many friends endeavored to express their sympathy by the large number of beautiful floral designs.

From the Scrapbooks of Bessie Gross Gustafsen
Source: Avoca Journal Herald