"I somehow found myself on the FGH Auxiliary Board in the early 1980's. I try to forget that miserable experience -- never been very good at dealing with shall we say strident women. I sat with Cora Lee and her quiet kindness meant so much to me. I will not forget her this lovely woman. Karen Ferris"
In loving memory of
Cora Lee Thielen
November 12, 1929 - August 13, 2020
Private family graveside services will be held at the Hampton Cemetery.
Family and friends will be able to watch Cora Lee's service live via "Zoom". To join the "meeting" enter the following:
MEETING ID: 367 013 3488
PASSWORD: 5PKx9Q (case sensitive)
Cora Lee Thielen, 90, of Hampton, passed away Thursday, August 13, 2020, at Franklin General Hospital. She was born November 12, 1929, in Latimer, to Manly and Hazel (Azeltine) McCormick.
Cora Lee graduated from Latimer High School. She was united in marriage to Duane "Curly" Charles Thielen on May 20, 1951, in Latimer. Cora Lee took great pride in being a farmer and working alongside Curly. She participated in all aspects of farming from operating every piece of machinery to caring for the livestock. Cora Lee mowed lawn with the Dixie chopper well into her 80's and her son, Charlie, appreciated her help.
Cora Lee loved being outdoors and did the cooking and the cleaning because someone had too! But she always had a roast in the oven and the house sparkled. Cora Lee raised five children with a gentle, but stern, demeanor and they all understood "the look". Cora Lee was a talented seamstress and made her daughters and granddaughters clothes, including prom, wedding and bridesmaids dresses. She loved to play games with all members of the family and would show no mercy. Through thick and thin, Mom was always there when we needed her. Cora Lee was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hampton, as well as the Trinity Lutheran Ladies Group and Sunshine Club, and volunteered at the activity center.
Cora Lee was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she will be greatly missed.
Cora Lee is survived by her daughters Audrey (Bob) Karinen of Littleton, Colorado, Denise (Luis) Figueroa of Brooksville, Florida, Janelle (David) Wilson of Jefferson, Kim (Jim) Shugar of Ankeny, and son Charlie (Sue) Thielen of Hampton; sisters Linda Faye (Tracy) Hayward of Cedar Rapids and Ellen Kay (George) Dirks of Clarion. She also has 13 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband Curly, her parents, brother Robert McCormick, and sisters Marilyn Miller and Carol Dee Thielen.
Memorial contributions may be directed to 1405 Beeds Lake Drive, Hampton, Iowa 50441.
Tributes
"My mom, Esther, always used to talk about Cora Lee with such joy. I was born on March 22nd, Charlie on the 23rd. Mom said she and Cora Lee were having so much fun together in the hospital that she asked the doctor if she could stay an extra day. And she did. "
"Grandma, thank you for the years of commitment to family and the farm. May you now Rest In Peace along side Grandpa and continue to watch over our families. We will miss you. Love, Forever and Always. Love Brandon, Joan and Harber"
"I want to give my condolences to the Thielen family. I got the pleasure of cleaning there home a few years ago they were a lot of fun just getting to know them they were both very nice people to me. I had a few good laughs with them . Rest In Peace Cora lee now you can give curly a big hug you special lady ? Vicki miller "
"In the life of a farmer each year brings a fresh set of hopes and dreams, goals and plans. Thanks Mom for giving us the examples and foundation needed for a content and happy life. The inspiration to a life long love of family, country living, and enjoyment of the beauty that surrounds us every day. Love from Denise, Luis, Heath and Joslyn and their families. ?"
"Words cannot express how much I care for my aunt Cora Lee. My thoughts and prayers are with my favorite cousins as they experience this time of great sorrow. My sorrow is lightened knowing that she is with her family in heaven including Carol Dee. This time period allows me to remember all of the wonderful times with my aunt and uncle and my cousins. Craig,Jan ,and Steve are thinking of you during this time."
"Cora it was an honor to be one of your care givers. Now you are reunited with your family that you have missed for so long. Rest in peace my sweet lady."