ALGONA -- Thelma Delores Knoer, age 87, was called to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022. Thelma passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family. Her earthly life ended with courage, dignity, and grace.
Thelma is survived by her husband of 66 years, and their four daughters and their families, Debra (Terry) Meyer, Diane Avery, Cheryl Benson, and Cindy Knoer.
Funeral services were held Friday, Sept. 30, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona. Burial was at East Lawn Cemetery in Algona. Lentz Funeral Home of Algona assisted the family.
Thelma was born Sept. 17, 1935, in Algona, to Fred and Minnie (Helmers) Gronbach. She was raised in Algona attending and graduating from Algona High School in 1953. Thelma was baptized Oct. 13, 1935, and confirmed April 10, 1949, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona.
On Sept. 17, 1956 Thelma was united in marriage to George Knoer at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Thelma and George worshiped at the same church their entire married life together.
Thelma’s Lutheran faith was extremely important in her life. She was a long time member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, Algona. She faithfully attended bible study, worked in the nursery, and was a member of the LWML serving in numerous capacities.
Thelma worked at Thuente Pharmacy for many years before retiring from Solbach Pharmacy. She enjoyed working with the public and greeting everyone with a smile for over fifty-five years. Her loving, kind, upbeat approach was a joy to everyone who knew her.
As a child Thelma enjoyed roller skating and family outings. Thelma was happiest attending her children, grand- children, and great-grandchildren’s sporting events and school activities. She loved her adoring family and found great joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Surrounded by family during holidays and family gatherings brought her great joy. Thelma cared for her loved ones selflessly and nurtured a positive legacy that will not be forgotten.
Thelma was a devoted community volunteer at the Kossuth County Food Pantry, Kossuth Regional Health Center, delivered Meals on Wheels, served as Chairman of the Trinity Lutheran Church Ester Circle, Alter Guild, and Afternoon LWML, participated in seasonal decorating and the Birthday Club at the Algona Good Samaritan Center, and provided rides to others so they could attend church. Thelma was always ready to support or work towards the success of various community fundraisers such as the annual Algona Good Samaritan Center “Potato Bake.”
Thelma enjoyed spreading joy and kindness as she frequently visited shut-ins in their homes or seniors in the nursing home. She volunteered without hesitation and with full devotion. Thelma’s dedication to volunteering and service to others is a shining light to others and an inspiration to all.
Thelma will be deeply missed by her husband George, Algona; and daughters Debra (Terry) Meyer, Rochester, MN; Diane Avery, Des Moines; Cheryl Benson, Crystal, MN; and Cindy Knoer, Des Moines; as well as four grandsons and their families, Andy (Kari) Vitzthum, David (Dyana) Meyer, Nicholas (Kelli) Avery, and Jacob (Kristin) Avery; three granddaughters and their families, Amy (Ty) Sleiter, Jennifer (Brad) Traub, and Julie (Brandon) Stebbins and several great grandchildren.
Thelma was preceded in death by her mother and father, Fred and Minnie Gronbach; brother Lee Gronbach and his wife Fern; sister Donna Lemkee; sister Annabelle Long and her husband Glen; parents-in-law Leo and Nellie Knoer, and her son-in-law Brett Benson.
Online Condolences:
www.lentzfuneralhome.com
