Berdeene Thiesen was born on August 7, 1920, the daughter of JW and Eva (Appel) Drake in Morrison, Iowa. She attended Normal Teacher’s Education and taught country school for several years, then worked in offices of John Deere and JC Penny in Waterloo. Berdeene married Robert Thiesen on September 4, 1946 in Waterloo, Iowa. She and Bob were partners with the farm and cattle herd. She retired from farming at 65 years of age. They were active followers of the Hawkeye women’s basketball team. She enjoyed quilting, crafts,and Good Sam camping groups. She and Bob traveled in their motor home throughout the US and Canada. They celebrated her 80th birthday with Bob’s Canadian cousins. After Bob died she lived in Lakeside Village assisted living and Panora Nursing and Rehab. On February 6, 2014, Berdeene peacefully died at the age of 93 at Panora Nursing and Rehab. She is survived by a daughter, Roberta (Myrlen) Simmons of Panora; a Grandson, Greg (Terri) Simmons of Des Moines; a Granddaughter, Valerie (Brian) Jergens of Humboldt; and Great grandchildren, Tabitha and Nolan Jergens. Berdeene was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; a son, Wallace Dean; parents; and sisters, LaVon Wood and Merna Stewart.

Berdeene’s family would to thank Dr. Ash with Iowa Hospice in Panora, and the staff at Lakeside and Panora Nursing and Rehab for compassionate care for the last 4 years.

Berdeene Thiesen, 93

Berdeene Thiesen was born on August 7, 1920, the daughter of JW and Eva (Appel) Drake in Morrison, Iowa. She attended Normal Teacher’s Education and taught country school for several years, then worked in offices of John Deere and JC Penny in Waterloo. Berdeene married Robert Thiesen on September 4, 1946 in Waterloo, Iowa. She and Bob were partners with the farm and cattle herd. She retired from farming at 65 years of age. They were active followers of the Hawkeye women’s basketball team. She enjoyed quilting, crafts,and Good Sam camping groups. She and Bob traveled in their motor home throughout the US and Canada. They celebrated her 80th birthday with Bob’s Canadian cousins. After Bob died she lived in Lakeside Village assisted living and Panora Nursing and Rehab. On February 6, 2014, Berdeene peacefully died at the age of 93 at Panora Nursing and Rehab. She is survived by a daughter, Roberta (Myrlen) Simmons of Panora; a Grandson, Greg (Terri) Simmons of Des Moines; a Granddaughter, Valerie (Brian) Jergens of Humboldt; and Great grandchildren, Tabitha and Nolan Jergens. Berdeene was preceded in death by her husband, Bob; a son, Wallace Dean; parents; and sisters, LaVon Wood and Merna Stewart.

Berdeene’s family would to thank Dr. Ash with Iowa Hospice in Panora, and the staff at Lakeside and Panora Nursing and Rehab for compassionate care for the last 4 years.