In loving memory of

Gerald "Jerry" Thilges
September 13, 1941 - December 5, 2016

Gerald Benjamin Thilges was born September 13, 1941, in Algona, Iowa, 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 November 24, 1962, Jerry was united in marriage 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, Monoca, 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, December 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.

Tributes

Gail Hempel wrote on Jan 15, 2017:

"I love you dad."

Scott, Vicki ,Taylor and Erin Wiltse wrote on Dec 27, 2016:

"Just heard of Jerrys passing ,will always remember playing cards and bringing home some Iowa money, He will be greatly missed,we are so glad we got to talk with him in October.Sending prayers to his family"

Frank Strayer wrote on Dec 20, 2016:

"Becky, Julie, Brenda and Gail I just saw the obits and am so shocked. I will stop in and see you this coming spring. God Bless You All."

Albert "Butch" Christensen wrote on Dec 15, 2016:

"I was very sad to see Jerry's name in the on-line obituary. I met Jerry in the 50's when he and his dad would come into our store at "Jiggs Corner". Jiggs would kid around with him and give him a hard time. The characteristic I remember most is that he was always smiling and in a happy mood. One time Jerry and I were helping Herb Kayser shell corn and we got into a "corn shoveling" contest. Jerry outdid me and although I did not admit defeat, I suffered a lot the next day. I moved from the Algona area and I don't think I saw Jerry since we graduated in 1960. I regret that, but I will always remember him as a friend."

JoAnn Eischen wrote on Dec 12, 2016:

"I am so sorry to hear of Jerry"s passing. I loved talking to him at work. He always had a good story to tell about what was going on. He always talked about his family and how much he cared for them. I'll always remember he brought me food all the time from the test plot day and he wasn't suppose to. He was really a good person and had a good heart. I'm sure he will be missed by many. "

Travis Kennedy wrote on Dec 9, 2016:

"We always looked forward to visiting with Jerry up at Okoboji in the summers when him and Becky would stop by Maurice's and Donna's house. Our deepest sympathies to all of you guys! Travis & Becky Kennedy"

Kenny Houston wrote on Dec 9, 2016:

"Becky and family so sorry to hear of Jerrys passing,I always enjoyed visiting with Jerry at Cuttys. I looked forward to seeing him at the campground and having a beer with him,he will truly be missed.May God give you strength to get through these difficult times. Kenny and Lorraine Houston"

Deb Schulz wrote on Dec 8, 2016:

"Gail and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days ahead. May God give you strength to endure. Cherish your memories of your Dad. Hugs!"

Chris 'Red' Adams wrote on Dec 8, 2016:

"I had the pleasure to meet and work along side of Jerry this past two years. He always had words of wisdom and a few others I won't mention...lol. He had a sense of humor and could make anyone smile. I know he loved his great grand children cause he talked about them often. He will be missed! R.I.P. Jerry!"

Ryan Harms wrote on Dec 8, 2016:

"Our deepest sympathies to you Becky and family. Ryan and Brandi Harms."

Judy Erpelding wrote on Dec 8, 2016:

"We are so sorry to hear about Jerry! May all your wonderful memories surround you and comfort you throughout this most difficult time. Mark and Judy Erpelding"

Gene Erpelding wrote on Dec 7, 2016:

"Enjoyed working with Jerry at Cargill back in the early 80's. Hard working very ethical person whom taught me many values in the couple of years we spent together. Thoughts and prayers for the family, Gene Erpelding"

Barbara Bauer wrote on Dec 7, 2016:

"Becky my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time! I won't be able to attend the service since I'm living in Ark right now! God Bless! Love Barb Dugan Bauer "

Cindy Jensen wrote on Dec 7, 2016:

"I was so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. My thought and prayers are with you Becky and the rest of your family. I will truly miss his smile, joyful laugh and kind words. It was a blessing to know him as we worked together at Cutty's, Jerry as a volunteer and I as an employee. God bless all of you. Cindy Jensen"

Zelma Parcel wrote on Dec 7, 2016:

"Prayers to family, hope you find some comfort at this difficult time"

Marlene Loring wrote on Dec 6, 2016:

"We were so sorry to hear of Jerrys passing on, we met him and Becky when we started volunteering at Cuttys four years ago and being next door neighbors we became very good friends. We will miss him very much and all the good times and memories. May God give you, Becky and Family Comfort and Strength at this difficult time. Our Sympathy and Love, Don & Marlene and Family"

Katie and Gary Weiskircher wrote on Dec 6, 2016:

"I am so sorry to hear of Jerrys passing, I enjoyed volunteering with him at Cuttys and most of all enjoyed his company. To Becky and family you have our sincere sympathy and will truly miss him."

Mary Kuhlmann wrote on Dec 6, 2016:

"I am so sorry to hear of Puggy's passing! He was a joy to be around and I will always remember when I would go out to Smith Lake and visit Lynn & Kevin and there was this one time he fell asleep in his lawn chair and Becky so happened to have this pretty pink lipstick. Let me say he wore it well and didn't kick my you know when he found out we (I) put it on him. I think he was more mad when we woke him up from laughing so hard. Cherish the wonderful memories. He could always put a smile on a persons face! Big hugs to all of you!!"

Terry Coens wrote on Dec 6, 2016:

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, I will miss Jerry deeply, he was like family to me. My deepest sympathy to the family. Terry Coens"

Roger and Deb Johnson. St. Peter mn wrote on Dec 6, 2016:

"I only meet Jerry 2 years ago when my wife and I joined the family of volunteers at Cutty's. Jerry and I hit it off right away and I did a lot of jobs with him. We both had the same work ethics. Tippie my pup also enjoyed playing with jay jay. I will miss him. God bless and Becky be strong and if you need anything don't be afraid to ask. "

Kraig & Kathy wrote on Dec 6, 2016:

"You are all in out thoughts and prayers. We love you all! Kraig, Kathy, Ryan, Eric & Josh"

Deb Korf wrote on Dec 6, 2016:

"So sorry to hear this. Know you are in our prayers. Roger & Deb Korf"