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Pauley Jones

P.O. Box 70

1304 9th Street

Harlan, Iowa 51537-0070

(712) 755-3135
(800) 831-6805

Proudly Serving Southwest Iowa with locations in Harlan, Walnut and Avoca

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Pauley Jones Funeral Homes

"Avoca Chapel"

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Robert "Bob" Theulen - Age 75

Bob Theulen was born Stephen Joseph on November 29, 1932 in Monroe, Nebraska according to records from Catholic Social Services. He was placed on a train from Columbus, Nebraska, and moved to St. James Orphanage in Omaha at birth. In July 1933, he was adopted by John and Dorothy Theulen and spent his youth in Persia and Earling, Iowa. Adoption would become a central theme in his life.

Bob graduated from St. Joseph High School in Earling, Iowa, in 1952 and was known as a standout pitcher in Western Iowa baseball. On June 1, 1957, he married Janice Herbst of Panama. He also at marriage adopted nine brothers and sisters: Carol, Diane, Dan, Jean, Don, Bill, Peg, Ted, and Jim Herbst and adopted a second set of parents: Elmber and Agnes Herbst.

Bob and Jan lived in Omaha until 1963, when they made their home in Panama for the remainder of his life. To their marriage four ornery boys were born (Robbie would have had it no other way): Jeff, Mike, Paul, and Jack. During this time, Bob also adopted three daughters: Julie Lapke, Michele Engle, and Jennifer Bruck. Finally he was blessed with six grandchildren: Stephen, Allison, Scott, John, Amy, and Megan.

Bob was a truck driver most of his life. He loved cars and loved to drive. He also was a devoted NASCAR fan and loved being around family both natural and adopted. He died at his home in Panama, with his family, attaining the age of seventy-five years, eight months, and fifteen days. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Dorothy Theulen and Elmer and Agnes Herbst.

Bob is survived by his wife of fifty-one years, Jan Theulen of Panama, Iowa; his sons Jeff Theulen and his wife Julie of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Mike Theulen and his wife Michele of Laveen, Arizona, Paul Theulen of Panama, Iowa, and Jack Theulen and his wife Jennifer of Alleman, Iowa; six grandchildren: Stephen, Alison, Scott, John, Amy, and Megan; nieces and nephews; other family members, and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, August 16, 2008 with Rev. John Dorton celebrating the 10:30 AM service at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Panama, Iowa. Urn bearer was Paul Theulen with interment held at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Panama.

Maxine I. Thielen - Age 67

Maxine Irene Thielen was born on May 20, 1939, to Bernard and Viola (Stoll) Thielen on a farm near Kirkman, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at St. Michael’s Catholic Church where she remained a member her entire life. She attended Harlan Community High School and graduated with the class of 1957. Maxine was a cheerleader in high school and kept that enthusiasm and spirit for everyone in her life.

After high school, she began employment as a secretary for R. C. Booth Enterprises, later becoming an owner of the company. In 1981, she began taking care of her mother who had been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s Disease.

Maxine was a lifelong Harlan resident but she loved to travel. She attended several World Series and would hunt for antiques wherever she went. Maxine was involved with Galen selling many of their antiques on ebay and also enjoyed using her computer to keep in touch with family and friends. She was a great golfer and enjoyed playing whenever she could.

Maxine survived a bout with cancer and encouraged all new patients to keep fighting and to never give up. She kept this attitude until the day she died, Sunday, April 1, 2007. She had attained the age of sixty-seven years, ten months, and twelve days. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Maxine is survived by her husband, Galen "Red" Sorensen of Harlan, Iowa, a relationship that continued for fifty-two years; her brothers and sisters: Bernard Thielen and his wife Agnes of Huntington Beach, California, Ken Thielen and his wife Pat of Greenfield, Missouri, Alice Thielen of New York, New York, and Gary Thielen and his wife Gail of Kalama, Washington; a sister-in-law Bev and her husband Bob Vigue of West Salem, Wisconsin; nieces and nephews, twenty great-nieces and nephews, other family members and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, April 4, 2007, with Rev. Bob Hoefler officiating the 11:00 AM service at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Harlan, Iowa. Serving as casket bearers were Joe Klein, James Macheledt, Tony Thielen, Michael Thielen, Andy Moenkedick, and Mark Thielen. Interment was at the Harlan Cemetery in Harlan, Iowa.

Edna M. Thomsen - Age 97

Edna Maria (Holst) Thomsen was born December 8, 1910 in Shelby County, Iowa. She was the daughter of Henry and Doris (Plagman) Holst and grew up on the family farm two miles east of Shelby, Iowa. She was the oldest of five children. Edna attended country school until the third grade, then went to the Shelby Public school, graduating with the Class of 1929.

On July 7, 1938, Edna was united in marriage to Lester Ralph Thomsen. They moved into their home on Frost Avenue in Avoca, Iowa. Lester owned the Thomsen Oil Company. They were the parents of three daughters, Delores Ann, Karen Lou and Linda Marie. After sixty three years of marriage, Lester passed away on December 3, 2001. Edna continued to live at home for an additional six years.

Edna was baptized and confirmed at the United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Shelby, but after her marriage, she transferred membership to the Lutheran Church in Avoca. She was active in the ladies aid and bible study group.

Outside of her family and church, Edna loved her garden and spent many happy hours growing food for her family and tending to her flowers. She loved anything to do with nature. She was an active member of the Garden Club and also PEO. For several years she bowled on the Thomsen Oil Company ladies team. She enjoyed the competition and the ladies on her team. She was an avid card player and seldom turned down a chance to play. After Lester's retirement, they both started the day with a game of solitaire to "see how the day would go."

In the fall of 2007, Edna moved to the Avoca Assisted Living Lodge. She became ill in January of 2008 and then moved to Oakland Manor Nursing Home and this is where she entered her eternal rest on March 3, 2008, having attained the age of ninety-seven years, two months and twenty-three days. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Lester; three sisters: Elva Jave, Gladys Kielley and Margaret Piittmann; her brother, Edward; a son-in-law, Roger Eble and a granddaughter, Holly Eble.

Edna is survived by her three daughters: Delores and her husband, Clifton Woodworth of Winter Springs, Florida, Karen Eble of Missoula, Montana and Linda and her husband, Tom Eitmann of Treynor, Iowa; seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and another one due in July, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral Services were held on Friday, March 7, 2008 at 10:30 AM at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Avoca, Iowa with Pastor Dennis Reich as the clergy. Serving as casket bearers were Charles Eble, Kris Eitmann, Matthew Woodworth, Kevin Woodworth, Shannon Copps, Chad Eitmann and Michelle Willett. Interment was held at the Graceland Cemetery, Avoca, Iowa.

Raymond N. Thomsen - Age 90

Raymond Neve Thomsen, the son of Hans and Mary Neve Thomsen, was born on March 25, 1918 on a farm near Avoca, Iowa. He graduated from Avoca High School and then attended Van Sant School of Business in Omaha, Nebraska.

Raymond was united in marriage to Jeanette Ives on November 9, 1941 in Maryville, Missouri. After their marriage they moved to his family farm where they raised their children Rae Jeanne and Terry and Raymond supported his family by farming. In 1972 they sold the farm and bought the Gustafasen farm south of Avoca. Raymond was known for being quite the jokester. He was very involved in his grandchildren lives, going to their many school activities and sporting events. He was especially proud that he was able to visit with them at his 90^th birthday. Raymond was a very caring man and always put his wife first by telling the kids to "take care of mom".

Raymond died on Monday, April 21, 2008 at the Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, Iowa having attained the age of ninety years and twenty seven days. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Survivors include his wife Jeanette; his daughter, Rae Jeanne and her husband Jerry Christensen all of Avoca, Iowa; his son Terry Thomsen and his wife Peggy of Apache Junction, Arizona; four grandchildren: Steve Christensen, Greg Christensen and his wife Connie, Susan and her husband Brian Wedemeyer and Holly and her husband Robert Valdiviez; seven great grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.

Merle Thrasher- Age 84

Merle Thrasher, Jr. was born on November 30, 1922, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Merle and Maud (Shawver) Thrasher. He attended school in Fort Madison and graduated from high school with the Class of 1940. He entered the United States military in 1943 and left for basic training to Denver, Colorado.

While on a three-day pass in Denver on May 5th 1943, he was united in marriage to Valeria "Val" Bentler. Five children were born to this union: Tom, Ron, Randy, Greg, and Jan.

After he was honorably discharged from the service during World War II, he joined the Schafer pen company in Fort Madison, Iowa. The family moved several times within the Fort Madison and Houghton, Iowa, areas.

He ventured into the feed and grain business and had also worked at the United States post office for a while. He sold fur coats and steel grain bins. In 1966, he sold his feed business and moved to Earling, Iowa, and bought a Purina dealership. He retired twenty-seven years later in 1993.

Merle loved boating on the Mississippi river and fishing in Canada. He enjoyed mushroom hunting. He went on many fishing trips to Canada with his boys and friends over the course of 60 years. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh, but was also a very respectful man. He joined the Catholic faith as a gift to his wife for their twentieth wedding anniversary.

Merle was admitted to the Nebraska Medical Center on May 31, 2007, and it was there that he died on Wednesday, June 13, 2007, having attained the age of eighty-four years, six months, and fourteen days. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife of sixty-four years, Val Thrasher of Earling, Iowa; his sons: Tom Thrasher and his wife Janet of Omaha, Nebraska, Ron Thrasher of Omaha, Randy Thrasher of Dana Point, California, and Greg Thrasher and his wife Nancy of Omaha; his daughter Jan and her husband Mike Haye of Wall Lake, Iowa; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; his brother Robert Thrasher and his wife Joan of Burlington, Iowa; nieces, nephews, other family members, and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, June 16, 2007, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa. Rev. Bob Hoefler officiated the 11:00 AM service. Casket bearers were Gene Sibenaller, David Thrasher, Dan Thrasher, Brady Haye, Kevin Thrasher, and Vince Heese. Military Rites were held by the Earling American Legion Post No. 615 at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Earling.

Jean A. (Henning) Thurston - Age 93

Jean Arvilla Henning Thurston was born on March 14, 1914, to Fred and Jessie (Rains) Smith in Harlan, Iowa. She was baptized at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and remained a member of that congregation throughout her lifetime. She attended Harlan Community Schools and graduated with the Class of 1934. After graduation she worked for her step-father (E. Olson) at Harlan Contracting as a bookkeeper.

Jean was united in marriage to Maurice "Bill" Henning on April 2, 1938, in Boone, Iowa. Three daughters were born to this union: Jan, Nancy, and Alice. Jean enjoyed many years of raising her daughters and being a housewife and homemaker. She was always there for her children and their activities. She also spent ten years working in the food service department at the Baptist Memorial Home.

After Maurice’s death in 1966, Jean kept busy with her friends and her crocheting. She was a founder of Mickels Tuesday Coffee Club, a member of St. Katherine’s Guild, serving as their Treasurer, and a member of the Eastern Star.

In 1971, Jean was married to William Thurston in Harlan. Her excellent memory made her a Harlan Historian; she was able to tell you who lived where or who someone had married. She loved to take car rides but never had a driver’s license herself. Jean loved to spend time with her friends. Saturday nights would find her watching the Lawrence Welk show. She was loved by all who knew her and will be greatly missed.

Jean died on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, at Myrtue Medical Center in Harlan, having attained the age of ninety-three years, six months, and eighteen days. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband Maurice Henning, her husband William Thurston, her sister Arlene Gould, and her step-brother Stellan Olson and his wife Iva.

She is survived by her daughters: Jan Mendel of Harlan, Iowa, Nancy and her husband Howard Wilwerding of Boca Raton, Florida, and Alice and her husband John Evans of Oakley, California; six grandchildren: Debra and her husband Donny Lake, Jeanne Hodgden, Dan Wilwerding, Tina Mendel, Billie Jean Ring, and Shane Mendel; ten great-grandchildren: Jessica Hodgden, Joey Hodgden, Drew Lake, Troy Lake, Alissa Lake, Jenna Jean Lake, B. J. Pauley, Jessica Mendel, Taylor Ring, and Connor Mendel; her cousin Tommy Rains and his wife Jo Hanna of Des Moines, Iowa; her long-time friend Opal Peavler of Harlan; many nieces and nephews; other family members and friends.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, October 6, 2007, with Rev. Glenn Ranking officiating the 11:00 AM service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Harlan. Casket bearers were Dan Wilwerding, Howard Wilwerding, Joey Hodgden, Fred Olsen, Shane Mendel, and B. J. Pauley. Interment was held at the Harlan Cemetery

John N. Tremel - Age 95

John Nicholas Tremel, son of Joseph John and Anna Marie (Kohl) Tremel, was born on April 24, 1915, in Earling, Iowa. He was the second of twelve children. John was baptized and confirmed at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling and attended country school outside of Earling and St. Joseph’s Catholic Schools.

On January 10, 1940, John was united in marriage to Delores Jean Stolz at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling. Four children were born to this union: Karen, Joan, Jerry, and Allen. After their wedding, John and Delores made their home outside of Earling, where John farmed for many years. In 1992, John and Delores moved into Earling. John never really retired, he continued to drive to the farm each day to check his cattle and assist his grandson, Todd, with chores around the farm. John loved working the land and planted corn for eighty consecutive years.

When John wasn’t busy working, he enjoyed woodworking, raising his cattle, traveling with Delores, going to the casinos, and spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After Delores died in January 2006, John continued to live in their home they shared until August 2008, when he became a resident of Little Flower Haven in Earling.

John died on Tuesday, May 11, 2010, at Little Flower Haven in Earling, Iowa, having attained the age of ninety-five years and seventeen days. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Delores; and his siblings: Edward Tremel, Leona Buckley, Alphonse Tremel, Raymond Tremel, Joseph Tremel, and Mary Gross.

He is survived by his children: Karen and her husband Larry Gardner; Joan Stiner all of Omaha, Nebraska; Jerry Tremel and his wife Jane of Dunlap, Iowa; Allen Tremel and his wife Carol of Harlan, Iowa; ten grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; his siblings: Leonard Tremel and his wife Mary Pat; Helen and her husband Albert Frederick all of Earling, Iowa; Charles Tremel and his wife Bonnie of Omaha, Nebraska; Kenneth Tremel and his wife Elizabeth and Ralph Tremel and his wife Elaine all of Panama, Iowa; his sister-in-law Irene Tremel of Earling Iowa; many nieces and nephews; other family members and many friends.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, May 14, 2010, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Earling, Iowa, with Rev. Howard Fitzgerald celebrating the 10:30 AM service with Rev. Mr. Marvin Klein assisting. Interment was held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Earling, with Chad Tremel, Michael Olmstead, Todd Tremel, Scott Johnson, Andrew Juranek, and Scott Gardner serving as casket bearers.

Lois M. Troll - Age 85

Lois Marie Troll was born on December 4, 1923 to Roy and Hazel (Lotz) Richardson near Auburn, Iowa. She graduated with the Class of 1941 from Guthrie Center High School and continued her education at the Jennie Edmundson School of Nursing, earning her Registered Nursing degree.

On June 27, 1946, she was united in marriage to Alvin Troll at Lake City, Iowa. Three children were born to this union: Eugene, Carol, and Doris.

Lois dedicated many years of her life to her nursing career and worked at various institutions, but spent a good share of that time at Myrtue Memorial Hospital and The Baptist Home. She was very proud to be a nurse and enjoyed her service to others. Lois was always willing to help anyone in any way. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother and will be missed by family and friends alike.

Lois was an active member of Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut, Iowa, as well as a past member of the AMVET Auxiliary and the Loyal Neighbors Club.

After her husband’s death in October of 2001, she moved to Peace Haven Retirement Home in Walnut, Iowa, and it was there that she died on Thursday, November 19, 2009, having attained the age of eighty-five years, eleven months, and fifteen days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, sister Leita Akers, and brother Robert Richardson.

Lois is survived by her children: Eugene Troll and his wife Paula of Walnut, Iowa, Carol and her husband Don Schwarte of Atlantic, Iowa, and Doris and her husband Lester Ballantyne of Council Bluffs, Iowa; eight grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; other family members and friends.

Pastor Gail Muckey conducted the 10:30 AM funeral service on Monday, November 23, 2009 at the Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut, Iowa. The family held a private burial at Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut.

Joyce True - Age 78

Joyce Anne True, the daughter of Orvel and Pearl Wilhelmina (Schuning) Krohn, was born on November 6, 1930 in Minden, Iowa. She attended school in Avoca and graduated with the class of 1948.

Joyce was united in marriage to Jack True on May 14, 1949 in Avoca and they were the parents of two children: Kathy and Tom. Joyce was employed at the Avoca Nursing Home for over thirty years. She took great delight in being outdoors in the summer and kept busy doing yard work. She enjoyed being with her friends and family and loved her grandchildren. Joyce retired in 1995 and moved to Peace Haven Retirement Home in Walnut, Iowa and later moved to the Avoca Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Joyce died at the Avoca Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on Tuesday, December 16, 2008 having attained the age of seventy eight years, one month and ten days. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Jack who died in 1996.

Survivors include her children: Kathy Jacobsen of Avoca, Iowa; Tom True and his wife Cheryl of Walnut, Iowa; six grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; one brother Donald Krohn and his wife Rosalie of Avoca, Iowa; other relatives and many friends.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca with Father John Frost officiating. Wayne Paulsen delivered the eulogy. Those serving as honorary urn bearers were Joshua True, Jacquelyn True, Angela Schueman, Shela Jacobsen, Michael Jacobsen and Brian Swallow. Inurnment was at Graceland Cemetery in Avoca.

Fern Tucker - Age 85

Fern May Tucker, the daughter of Charles William and Vera Viola (Comstock) Tucker was born on the family farm near Tennant, Iowa, on March 10, 1922. She attended grade school at the Pleasant Ridge Country School and continued her education at the Tennant Consolidated School and graduated with the Class of 1938.

She attended Commercial Extension Business School in Omaha, Nebraska, and began to work at Barnhart Press in Omaha after graduating from business school. She worked as a secretary at Barnhart Press until she retired after more than forty years in their employment.

She was a devoted daughter, sister, and aunt. Her nieces and nephews were her pride and joy.

Fern died on Wednesday, September 6, 2007, at Jennie Edmundson Memorial Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, having attained the age eighty-five years, five months, and twenty-seven days. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Kenneth Tucker, her sister-in-law Doris Tucker, and an infant nephew, Craig Tucker.

Fern is survived by her sisters Frances and her husband Glen Wilson of Hemet, California and Eunice and her husband Clifford Smith of Walnut, Iowa; sister-in-law, Jacquetta Tucker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; her nephews: Kit Wilson and his wife Mary of Orange, California, Tom Tucker and his wife Diane of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Mark Smith and his wife Barb of Elk Horn, Iowa, and David Smith and his wife Diane of Cook, Nebraska; her niece Susan Tucker of Kansas City, Missouri; other family members and friends.

A funeral service was held on Monday, September 10, 2007, at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Harlan, Iowa. Pastor Orris Drake officiated at the 2:00 PM service. Marge Ahrenholtz was the accompanist and Barb Smith was the vocalist. Serving as casket bearers were Tom Tucker, Bradley Tucker, Brian Tucker, Mark Smith, Tom Gaer, and David Smith. Interment was held at the Shelby Cemetery in Shelby, Iowa.

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