Thelma Schwinefus

Thelma H. Schwinefus, 91, of Ossian, Iowa passed away Monday, February 3, 2014 at Maple Crest Manor in Fayette, Iowa.  Thelma Henrietta, the daughter of Andrew and Helga (Lervold) Hilgerson, was born September 6, 1922 in rural Clermont, Iowa.  She was baptized October 1, 1922 and confirmed October 10, 1937 at Stavanger Lutheran Church, rural Ossian, Iowa.  She attended Dover School #6 and graduated from the eighth grade.  Thelma was united in marriage with Lloyd Leo Schwinefus on September 6, 1939 at the Stavanger Lutheran Church parsonage.  Thelma and Lloyd moved to the Schwinefus family farm south of Ossian, where she proudly lived for seventy-five years.  Thelma loved her morning walks to her mailbox with her cane.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Thelma’s life was spent as a fulltime housewife and Mom.  She nurtured and raised six children. Thelma leaves a long legacy of Norwegian traditions and was loved for her homemade bread and lefse.

Thelma is survived by her six children, David (Jean) Schwinefus; Beverly (Wayne) Corlett; Dennis Schwinefus; Belvina “Biny” Timmons; Judy (Marty) Fisher; and Brenda (Jerry) Massman; ten grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and one sister, Arlene Sutter.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Lloyd; her parents; five brothers; and four sisters.

The lord has called you home to a peaceful kingdom. Thanks for all the wonderful and caring memories, we love you Mom.

Funeral Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 6, 2014, at St. Peter Lutheran Church in Eldorado, Iowa. Rev. Ginny Olson was the officiant. The family invited everyone to lunch and fellowship following services before burial.

Visitation was held on Wednesday, February 5, 2014, from 4-7 pm at the Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home, Ossian, Iowa, and one hour before services at the church on Thursday.

Interment was held at the First Lutheran Church Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Homes and Cremation Services in Ossian, Iowa is assisting the family with the arrangements.

Condolences may be left with: www.graufuneralhomes.com.

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