Wilhelm, Jeanette S. (Thompson) 1925 - 2019

WILHELM, THOMPSON, ALBERTSON, MOORE, STARKEY

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 5/19/2024 at 21:00:44

SURPRISE, Ariz. - Jeanette S. Wilhelm, age 94, of Surprise, Ariz., passed away on Nov. 26, 2019 (on her birthday) at Mariposa Point Assisted Living in Surprise.
Jeanette Selma Thompson was born on Nov. 26, 1925 to the late Benjamin and Amanda (Albertson) Thompson in Winneshiek County, Iowa. She married Melvin Wilhelm on May 11, 1947 at First Lutheran Church in Cresco, Iowa. The couple resided in many residences in both Iowa and Minnesota until retiring to Arizona.
They had many adventures together. They had a keen sense of business that they used throughout their lives. They initially started with East End Grocery in Decorah, Iowa their first business. From that they owned and operated Melody Lounge in West Union, Iowa and the Friendly Tap in Calmar, Iowa before changing to fast food businesses across both Iowa and Minnesota.
While Jeanette was busy with all her endeavors, it did not stop her from caring for her family. She was always there for her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her five children, Dennis of Wittmann, Ariz., Dale (Rose Mary) of Iowa City, Iowa, Rodney of LaCrescent, Minn., LeAnne (Ralph) Moore of Surprise and Mike (Mary Jo) of Cresco; a sister, Beverly Starkey of Waterloo, Iowa; and one sister-in-law, Phyllis Thompson of Decorah; along with 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren.
Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents, Ben and Amanda Thompson; her husband of 61 years, Melvin; her siblings, Einer, Ernie, Melvin, Stanley and Alice Thompson; two sisters-in-law, Lois Mae and Margaret Thompson; two grandchildren, Jared and Louise Wilhelm; and two great- grandchildren, William and Robert Page.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Iowa in the spring.

Source: Cresco Times December 20, 2019