Thoelke, Duane Harold (1926-2016)

THOELKE, BOEKHOLDER, ROSSOW, GRIMSBO, HEIDEBRINK, MONKEMEIER, HILBRANDS

Posted By: Paul Nagy (email)
Date: 8/25/2016 at 14:13:57

Duane Harold Thoelke
June 8, 1926 - June 22, 2016

Duane Thoelke, 90, of Forest City, died on Wednesday, June 22, 2016, at Vintage Hills Assisted Living in Indianola, Iowa.

Duane Harold Thoelke, the fifth child of Henry Herman and Grace (Boekholder) Thoelke was born on June 8, 1926. His family moved to George, Iowa, when he was in elementary school. After completing his schooling in George, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1944, during World War II, and served as Electrician’s Mate, third class, on Guam. After his separation with the Navy in 1946, he went to electrical school in Chicago.

After his return to George, Duane married Margery Rossow on July 2, 1950. They, subsequently, had two daughters, Elisabeth (Channing) Grimsbo and Jane Thoelke, who died shortly after birth.

Duane held various jobs in George. He ran the White Shop Restaurant with his wife, Marge, for eight years, repaired televisions, and did electrical work. In 1966, the family moved to Forest City, Iowa, where Duane became an electrician for Winnebago Industries until he retired in 1990.

An active member of his church, Duane served in various roles over the years, especially those dealing with property. After retiring, he continued to use his electrical skills with Habitat for Humanity as well as with family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards, golfing, fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his family, and in his later years, with his granddaughter, Lydia. A generous, loving, and patient father, he will be greatly missed.

Duane is survived by his daughter, Elisabeth, his son-in-law, Channing, and grandchild, Lydia; as well as by nieces, nephews, and their families.

Duane was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marge; his sisters, Viola Heidebrink, Beverly Monkemeier, and Earlene Hilbrands; his brother, James (Bud); and daughter, Jane.

Memorial services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, July 9, 2016, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Forest City with the Rev. Rod Hopp officiating. A gathering of family and friends will take place one hour prior to the services at the church. A private family inurnment will follow at a later date in George, Iowa. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Copyright © 2016, Cataldo Schott Funeral Home

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