William Thies (1860-1947)

THIES

Posted By: Debra Scott Hierlmeier (email)
Date: 11/27/2008 at 08:23:04

William Thies 1860-1947
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Last rites for William Thies, 87, were held from the Blust-Berthusen funeral home Tuesday afternoon with the Rev. John DeBerg officiating. Burial was in Graceland cemetery.

Mr. Thies died at his home in Avoca on Sunday, July 4, following a long illness.

William Thies, son of Frederick Thies and Catherine Schroeder, was born November 18, 1860 in LeClaire, Scott County, Iowa. He was from a family of four children: one brother and two sisters preceded him in death.

Mr. Thies received his early education in the Scott county schools. At the age of 16 he joined his elder brother, Charles, in Avoca, and a few years later in 1877 his parents joined them and together engaged in farming in Pleasant township.

On January 19, 1886, he was united in marriage to Lena horst who preceded him in death on June 22, 1887. To this union one son was born, Alfred, to mourn his parents’ death.

Mr. Thies then moved to Avoca and became district manager for an elevator company for a period of ten years.

On April 30, 1890, he was again united in marriage to Amelia Sievers who preceded him in death on December 31, 1929. To this union three children were born: Clarence and Ada preceded their parents in death, and Mrs. Robert True of Avoca, who lives to mourn the death of her father.

Mr. Thies was greatly interested in education and civic affairs. His interest in agriculture prompted him to become the promoter of the first Short Course held in Avoca, which continued for many years. He served several terms on the city council and as mayor of the city. He was a member of the board of education for eleven years, and for several years acted as secretary and director of the Pottawattamie county fair board. Mr. Thies also served as director and vice president of the Avoca State bank and served two terms in the legislature from 1933 to 1936.

Mr. Thies was stricken with a stroke the middle of March and was confined to his home from that time on.

He leaves to mourn his death, one son, Alfred, and one daughter, Mrs. Robert True and seven grandchildren, and a host of other near relatives and friends.

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