Arlene Thurn
Arleen Mae Thurn, 99, of Littleport passed away on Monday, January 21st, 2019, at the Elkader Care Center. Arleen was born March 26, 1919, in rural St. Olaf, Iowa, to Lloyd and Lucy (Schmidt) Nelson. She was baptized on June 8, 1919, at the parental home and was confirmed at the Norway Church on August 20, 1933, by Rev. Strandjord.
Arleen married Harlan James Thurn on March 4 in Galena, Illinois. They farmed in the Littleport area for a number of years. They raised five children. Arleen worked for the Elkader school system as a cook and later for the Elkader Wire Plant for 18 years.
She was an active member of Hope Lutheran Church in Littleport and donated the land for relocating this church after the flood of 1999. She loved to cook making everyone’s favorite dishes and always had the coffee pot on for any visitors.
She is survived by her children, Harlan (Phyllis), St. Olaf, Gary (Nancy), Elkader and Marlene, Cedar Rapids; one daughter-in-law, Joyce (Dave) Caldwell of Fort Dodge; 15 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.
Arleen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; infant son, Bradley Lee and son, William Frederick; two sisters, Dorothy and husband William Schmidt, and Leah “June” and her husband Loraine “Larry” Horstman; two brothers, Clifford and wife Catherine Nelson, Leighton and wife Yvonne Nelson.
A visitation was held from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, January 26, 2019, at Hope Lutheran Church, Littleport. Funeral services were held there at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 26, with Rev. Margaret Yackel-Juleen Officiating. Interment was at Union Cemetery, Littleport
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service assistedthe family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com