Lorene Thiede

Memorial services will be held later, and service details will be posted as soon as they become available.

Lorene June Thiede, born on June 21, 1928, in Denison, Iowa, was the beloved daughter of John and Kathryn (Mau) Kock. She was baptized in faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Denison on October 19, 1929, and later confirmed at St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Deloit on March 30, 1947, by the Rev. L.S. Winter. Lorene’s early education took place in rural Crawford and Sac County schools, and she completed her studies at Wall Lake and Vail High Public Schools.

On September 7, 1944, Lorene married Louis A. Thiede, Jr., at the Zion parsonage in Denison, with the Rev. C.W. Schmidt officiating. Together, they were blessed with two sons and one daughter: Loren "Larry," David, and Lynette. Their loving marriage continued until January 1, 1988, when Louis passed away suddenly from a heart attack.

Lorene was a founding member of Peace Lutheran Church in Harlan, where she served on various boards over the years. Later, she joined Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan. She also devoted time as a member of the Myrtue Hospital Auxiliary. 

Known for her zest for life, Lorene was an avid bowler and loved dancing, camping, and traveling. Many of her favorite pastimes, such as horseback riding, fishing, and playing cards, were enjoyed alongside her husband, Louis, creating cherished memories they shared together with family and friends.

Lorene passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Elm Crest Senior Living in Harlan, having attained the age of 96 years, six months and 21 days. In addition to her parents, John and Kathryn Kock, she was preceded in death by her husband, Louis; her granddaughter, Jaime; her siblings, Virgil Kock and wife Helen, John Kock and wife Veronica, Marian Riessen and husband Henry; and her in-laws, Clement Thiede and wife Janice, Maydelle Kracht and husband Ivan, Emaline Ossenkop and husband Earl, and Phyllis Fitch and husband Jim.

Lorene leaves behind her cherished family: sons, Larry Thiede and wife Nancy of Belleville, Kansas, and David Thiede and wife Terri of Tabor, Iowa; daughter Lynette Irwin of Custer, South Dakota; grandchildren Jason, Jeremy, Jini, Jesse, Joshua, and Jacob; 14 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren, with another expected in May; along with many dear nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Lorene’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.