Sept. 13, 1941 — Dec. 5, 2016
Funeral Mass for Gerald “Jerry” Thilges was celebrated on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Cecelia Catholic Church with the Rev. Edward Girres officiating. Burial was in Calvary Cemetery.
Gerald Benjamin Thilges was born Sept. 13, 1941, in Algona, the son of Arthur and Agnes (Besch) Thilges. He grew up in Algona where he also attended school and was in the first graduating class from Bishop Garrigan High School in 1960.
On Nov. 24, 1962, Jerry was married to Rebecca Strayer at St. Cecelia Catholic Church. Following their marriage they lived in Algona. Jerry worked for Cargill for 27 years, then worked for Algona Flour and Feed and later Crop Mate before retiring.
Jerry and Becky enjoyed camping and have been going to Cutty’s of Okoboji since 1984, where they served on the volunteer committee to help with park maintenance and grounds keeping. They also enjoyed traveling and took memorable trips to France, Monaco, Italy, Hawaii, Jamaica and the Bahamas. Jerry also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, playing cards, caring for his flower beds at Cutty’s, fishing, being outdoors and watching NASCAR.
Jerry died Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center North Iowa in Mason City. He was 75.
Survivors include his wife, Becky Thilges of Algona; daughters, Julie and Steven Reynolds of Algona; Brenda and Darren Hannover of Whittemore; Gail and Steve Hempel of Algona; grandchildren, Todd (Elizabeth) Reynolds; Troy (Christa) Reynolds; Morgan (Nick) Kuecker; Zachery (fiancé, Kenzie Pesicka) Wiltse; Nathyn Trenary; Nolyn Hempel and Megan Hannover; great-grandchildren, Adeline, Harold, Josephine, Charlotte, Henry and Theodore Reynolds; Grayson and Graham Kuecker. Also surviving are siblings, Kenneth (Darlene) Thilges; Theresa Thilges; Marvin Thilges all of Algona; Donna (Lou) Boyd of Fredericksburg; Jeanette Thilges of Algona; sister-in-law, Donna Thilges of Spirit Lake and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Maurice and Dale Thilges.
Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be made to www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.