Velma Thedens, age 93 of Rock Rapids, Iowa, died Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in George, Iowa.
Funeral services were 10:30 a.m., Friday, May 10, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids with Rev. Matt Polsdofer, officiating. Burial followed in the Riverview Cemetery at Rock Rapids.
Visitation was Thursday, May 9, from 6-8 p.m. with the family present at the Jurrens Funeral Home of Rock Rapids.
Velma Irene Thedens was born on October 11, 1930, in Luverne, Minnesota, the daughter of Albert and Esther (Kasch) Lensch. She lived on the family farm near Luverne, until five years of age, when her father died unexpectedly. Velma and her mom, Esther, moved in with Esther’s parents in the town of Luverne. She attended Luverne schools, graduating in 1948.
She was united in marriage to Clayton Thedens on March 19, 1950, in Luverne, Minnesota. They lived in Rock Rapids, Iowa, and were blessed with a son, Lee. Velma worked at C. A. Peterson Lumber for several years and lastly Modern Home Gas Company in Rock Rapids, where she served as bookkeeper and customer service.
She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids, active with the church choir and several other church activities. She was a member of the Red Hat Society and card clubs. She enjoyed fishing and day trips with her husband, Clayton. She also enjoyed cross stitch, word search and cooking and baking. Most of all she enjoyed following her family activities. She was an avid sports fan, following football, baseball, and NASCAR.
On May 31, 1996, her husband, Clayton died unexpectedly. She remained active with her church, community activities and following her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities.
She moved to Premier Estates Assisted Living in 2020 and entered the Good Samaritan Society in George, Iowa, January 2023, where she remained until her death this past Tuesday, May 7, 2024.
She is survived by her son, Lee (Amanda) Thedens of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and their families, Jason (Nicole) Thedens of Canton, South Dakota, Brad (Erika) Thedens of Harrisburg, South Dakota, Dustin Lickteig of Harrisburg, South Dakota, and Nick (Abbie) Lickteig of Dell Rapids, South Dakota; eleven great-grandchildren, Brittney, Korinna, Payton, Chase, Clay, Zack, Zoe, Hayden, Rae, Aida and Briar; two great-great-grandchildren, Cash and Teddy; a special nephew, Keith (Debbie) Benson, their daughter, Stacey (Brent) Baldwin.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Esther Lensch; and husband of 46 years, Clayton Thedens.