Ilo A. Thoma
Ilo Anna (Troester) Thoma, 85, of Garnavillo, died Friday, March 25, 2016, in Garnavillo.
Visitation was Wednesday, March 30, at Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home, Garnavillo and one hour before services at the church.
Memorial services were Thursday, March 31, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Garnavillo, conducted by Rev. Hillary Burns-Kite.
Inurnment was at the Garnavillo Community Cemetery.
Ilo was born on Jan. 3, 1931, in rural Garnavillo, the daughter of Louis and Carolina (Brase) Troester.
Ilo received her education locally and after school. She was united in marriage with Keith Thoma on Oct. 22, 1947, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Garnavillo and was later blessed with four children. Together, Ilo and Keith owned and operated the Thoma Dairy Bar while raising their children. Ilo was a long time member of St. Peter’s Church and served many years on the Altar Committee. Ilo was also a member of the Clay-Gar American Legion Auxiliary. She was a Cub Scout leader and along with her husband Keith, charter members of the Guttenberg Country Club.
Ilo was an avid bowler of over 50 years. She was part of the Thoma Dairy Team and received many trophies and patches over the years from her many victories. Ilo even traveled to different areas of the Midwest competing in many tournaments at various levels of competition. Even in her later years as she cared for her husband Keith, Ilo occasionally subbed here and there in various bowling games. Most of all, Ilo and Keith treasured their children and grandchildren and are very proud of the people they’ve become.
Those left to cherish Ilo’s memory are her three children, Linda Szemkus of Donahue, Lee Ann (Steven) Lazok of Katy, Texas, and Rory (Theresa) Thoma of Elkader; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two step-great-grandchildren; two siblings, Helen Hawkins and Kenneth (Elaine) Troester and many other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; one son, Randy; one sister, Florence Schroeder; three brothers, Orville, Ray and Delbert Troester and son-in-law, John Szemkus.
