In loving memory of

Robert "Bobby" Thilges
March 18, 1960 - October 21, 2019

Robert "Bobby" John Thilges was born March 18, 1960, in Algona, Iowa, the son of Raymond and Marie (Fisch) Thilges. He grew up near St. Joe where he attended school until going to St. Cecelia in Algona for fifth grade and returning to St. Joe for junior high, Bobby then graduated from Bishop Garrigan High School in 1978. He farmed with his parents before going to work for Lee Prentice as a truck driver.

On August 13, 1983, Bobby was united in marriage to Laura Balk at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Livermore. After their marriage the couple lived in St. Joe before moving to Algona in 1988. He worked at Brougham Industries, Bill Hall IH Dealership, Universal Manufacturing and Gold Eagle Feed Mill before going to work for Becker Ag Sales in St. Joe the last 22 years.

Bobby enjoyed the time he was able to spend with his children and grandchildren, golfing, boating, sprint car and stock car races and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan. He was a member of the Algona Knights of Columbus and St. Cecelia Parish where he served as an usher.

Bobby died Monday, October 21, 2019, at the Kossuth Regional Health Center in Algona. He was 59.

He is survived by his wife, Lori; daughters, Brooke (Ben) Kramer and Brittany (Brad) Hoover all of Algona; grandkids, Elsie, Camron and Kane Kramer; Kashton Hoover and a future granddaughter; father and mother-in-law, Richard and Marie Balk of Algona; brother-in-law, Jeff (Kris) Balk of Livermore; father, Leonard (Helen) Anliker of West Bend; siblings, Kenneth (Nancy) Thilges of Pine Top, AZ; Brenda (Don) Hagen of Cylinder; Byron Anliker of West Bend; Carmen (Jamie) Moser of Cylinder; Clark (Cindy) Anliker of West Des Moines; Charles (Alyse) Anliker of Urbandale and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Marie Thilges.

Tributes

Travis Wittmeier wrote on Oct 25, 2019:

"So sorry for your loss. Bobby was a great guy. He made the summers i worked at Beckers fun. Always made a person laugh when you were around him. He will be missed."

Sharo Waller wrote on Oct 22, 2019:

"Lori and family, My deepest sympathies to all. My heart breaks for his family. Praying for strength for each of you. Sharon Waller "

Kristy Allison wrote on Oct 22, 2019:

"I had the nicest conversation with Bobby earlier this year as he was walking the dog. He had such a positive attitude, and was always such a sweet guy. My thoughts and prayers to the family."

Mark J.VonBank wrote on Oct 22, 2019:

"My heartfelt prayers and thoughts to Bobby's families and friends on their loss. Rest in Peace Bobby Thilges."

Deb and Spud Rahm wrote on Oct 21, 2019:

"Sending our sympathy to all of you. What a role model your entire family was during this journey. Thank you for sharing Bobby?s story, it has shown many of us what true faith and love are. Keeping you in our prayers."

Mary Youngwirth wrote on Oct 21, 2019:

"Lori, Brooke, Brittnay. - my heartfelt condolences to your family on the passing of your husband and father. Gone to soon. May your faith, family and friends bring you comfort during this difficult time. Bobby touched so many lives and he will be remembered in our hearts. Well done, good and faithful servant."

Wendy Hanselman wrote on Oct 21, 2019:

"Bobby was one of my favorite smiling faces at the Algona raceway! Always so kind and bubbly??"

Sue Murphy wrote on Oct 21, 2019:

"Bobby left us all with a lesson, smile thru adversity and stay positive. Proud to have known him. Prayers to you all."

Vern and Kris Laubenthal wrote on Oct 21, 2019:

"Our prayers go out to Bobby's family and friends - we really enjoyed working with him over the years at Beckers. He ALWAYS had a smile and a laugh to share."

Diane and Mike Kleineweber wrote on Oct 21, 2019:

"My prayers for your family. There will be smiles through the tears as memories will help. Such a great family was created. "

Velma Johnson & Dave Roeder wrote on Oct 21, 2019:

"Lori, Ben & Brooke, Brad & Brittany and families, There are no words to say how sorry I am to know you have lost a very special person. Bobby was Thiges Tough and knowing that, will help all of you get thru this very hard time. I am so blessed to have known Bobby. RIP my friend..."

Lynn Wittmeier wrote on Oct 21, 2019:

"Our sympathies go out to the family. Bobby fought a long tough battle. I got to know the family when the girls went thru Lucia Wallace. Such a loving, caring family. Our hearts are sadden by his passing. Just know you're in our hearts. "

Kim Dornbier wrote on Oct 21, 2019:

"I am soo sorry, my heart is soo heavy today. Love and hugs to the entire family"