Theda Jean Wiese

Theda Jean Wiese, daughter of Raymond and Hermagene (Stephens) Towne, was born on February 25, 1939, in Portsmouth, Iowa. She grew up in Walnut and graduated with the Class of 1957.

After high school, Theda worked at Mutual of Omaha for two to three years before moving to Avoca. Theda met Allan Wiese at the Chicken Hut in Harlan, and they were united in marriage on June 14, 1959, at the Presbyterian Church in Walnut. Their union was blessed with three children: Roger, Jean, and Ronald.

In 1963, Theda and her husband relocated to Manning after Allan accepted a job with American Protein. Theda served as the head cook at Manning Community School for 25 years, retiring in 2001. After retirement, she worked part-time as a secretary at the United Methodist Church in Manning. She was an active member of the community, serving as an officer with the MRHC Auxiliary, volunteering with RSVP, and Reading Buddies at Manning and IKM-Manning Schools. Over the years, she volunteered at the Manning Hausbarn Events and Gift Shop and was one of the first committee members for the annual Weihnachtsfest. She was actively involved in community life, taking part in 2nd Street candy-making, the Ladies of the Round Table, Volkswalken, and many other local events and activities.

A devoted supporter of the Manning Bulldogs and IKM-Manning Wolves, Theda rarely missed a game. She treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. She also enjoyed camping and fishing at Lake View and Storm Lake, as well as week-long cabin getaways with cousins at Spirit Lake.

Following Allan’s passing in 1994, Theda moved to the Myer Apartments on Center Street in Manning in 1995, where she formed many close friendships. In 2019, she relocated to the Lamp Apartments in Manning, and in December 2024, she moved to Regency Park in Carroll.

Fulfilling her wishes, Theda received skilled care at Manning Regional Healthcare Center, where she passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the age of 86 years, 2 months, and 13 days.

In addition to her parents, Raymond and Hermagene Towne she was preceded in death by her husband, Allan Wiese; sister, Patricia Graham; brother, Gary Towne; sister-in-law, Ladelle Hanson; brother-in-law, Junie Hanson; sister-in-law, Lyla Thompson; brother-in-law, Allen Thompson; daughter-in-law, Kristin Wiese; daughter-in-law, Jeanette Wiese.

Theda is survived by her children: Roger (Chris) Wiese of Manning, Jean (Todd) Stadtlander of Manning, and Ronnie Wiese of West Des Moines; grandchildren: Kara (Doug) Havick, Parker Wiese, Aly Stadtlander (fiancé Will Taylor), Zoey Wiese, and Olivia Wiese; two great-grandchildren: Owen and Camden Havick; step-grandchildren: Jazmine (Matt) Malone and their children, Declan and Rowan Malone, Zac Kratofil (fianceé Haley Jones) and son Crue Kratofil; brother, Don Towne; other extended family members and friends.

Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Manning. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., also at church. Burial will be in the Manning Cemetery.