In memory of

Joan K. Thayer

August 4, 1943 - October 7, 2024
From: Odebolt, IA
Joan K. Thayer

Joan K. Thayer

Born: August 4, 1943
Died: October 7, 2024
Age: 81
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  Joan Thayer, age 81 of Odebolt, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on Monday, October 7, 2024, at Horn Memorial Hospital in Ida Grove. Joan Katherine Frey was born on August 4, 1943, in Ida Grove to parents William (Bill) and Florence (McFarland) Frey. She grew up in Odebolt and was a member of the United Methodist Church where she was baptized and confirmed. She attended school in Odebolt and graduated from high school in 1961. 
  After high school, Joan attended Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in Des Moines. She worked as a nurse for a short time in Des Moines before returning home to work at Horn Memorial Hospital. She enjoyed the opportunity to help get cardiac services up and going there. Joan then followed her love for flowers and floral design working as a florist at Veits Floral in Odebolt and later Marjo Floral & Greenhouse in Sac City.
  On October 4, 1964, Joan married her high school sweetheart, Richard Thayer, at the United Methodist Church in Odebolt. They were blessed with two daughters, Kristie and Kathy. They raised their family on a farm just outside of Odebolt. Joan had flower gardens galore and enjoyed bringing rocks from different special places to place in her flower beds. The family always had animals, as Joan was someone who adored them. She never turned down a stray or an animal in need of care. She was especially fond of her cats and Licorice the poodle
  Joan was a crafty person who liked to keep busy by making things. She loved watercolor and ceramic painting and always decorated for every season and holiday. She made amazing spritz cookies every Christmas. She was an avid reader, loved to go on walks, and enjoyed riding bikes with Richard. She was never afraid to try to fix something and in her eyes, there was nothing that couldn’t be fixed with either wood filler, WD40, or duct tape.
  Spending time with her family was always at the top of her listand when the girls were growing up, they spent many hours with their grandparents and other family members. Family time meant the world to her and that continued as the girls grew up and had families of their own. Joan was always sure to be active in all of their lives. Her family has owned a cabin in Okoboji since 1919 and throughout her lifetime has enjoyed spending time at the lakeJoan loved it at the lake and everyone in her family will forever hold special memories in their hearts of time spent there with her and other beloved family members.
  Church was important to Joan. She was a very active member who served her church in so many ways over the years. She was a Sunday school teacher, a member of women’s circleMYF youth group leader, and was a member of the Tri-Ms. She helped with upkeep of the church and was of course one of its main decoratorsthe Hunter’s lunch being one of her favorites to decorate for. She and Richard really enjoyed Tuesday night Bible Study at church as well.
  Joan participated in league bowling at one time and loved hosting and attending CCC Club with her area neighbor ladies when living on the farm. She and Richard moved to town in 2022. On October 4th of this year, they celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary with family.
  Joan was a very strong and determined womawhich was never more evident than when she suffered a traumatic brain injury in January 2010, that took years of recovery to gain her strength and ability backShe was a loving, giving, and very caring special lady who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.
  Survivors include her husband of sixty years, Richard Thayer of Odebolt, IA; daughters Kristie (Steve) Spotts of Sac City, IA, and Kathy (Corie) Erickson of Humboldt, IA; grandchildren Stephanie (Mike) Ozinga of Ames, IA, Ryan (Blair) Spotts of Altoona, IA, and Lauren Erickson of Ames, IA; great-grandchildren: Jaelynn and Breckynn Ozinga, and Anna and Noah Spotts; sister Judy Hemphill of Odebolt, IA; brother-in-law Roger (Ginny) Thayer of Lake View, IA; several nieces, nephews, other extended family members and friends.
  Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Florence Frey; parents-in-law Bernie and Marjorie Thayer; and brother-in-law Butch Hemphill.

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS the family will be donating monetary donations to the United Methodist Church as well as the Odebolt Fire Department in Joan's memory.
SERVICES
Funeral Service
2:30 p.m., Saturday
October 12, 2024
United Methodist Church
Odebolt, Iowa
OFFICIATING
Pastor Ken Miller
VISITATION
1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Saturday
October 12, 2024
United Methodist Church
Odebolt, Iowa
INTERMENT
Odebolt Cemetery
Odebolt, Iowa

Condolences

Monday, October 28, 2024 at 3:31 PM
“So sorry to hear of your loss Kristie and family.. keeping all in thoughts and prayers ”
- Cindy Williams
Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 8:16 PM
“She was a special lady I enjoyed working with her at Marjos Flower Shop Prayers for all.”
- Jan and Steve Pullen
Friday, October 11, 2024 at 9:06 AM
“I am so sad to hear of Joanie's passing, she was one of my favorite designers and mentors at Veits, I learned so much from her. She was such a joy to be around, she will be missed. My love and prayers to you all. ”
- Bridget Drey
Friday, October 11, 2024 at 9:05 AM
“I'm so sorry to hear about Joanie today - I can still hear my Mom giggle on the phone with her on one of their long conversations. Joanie was really sweet to my daughter Celia and I when my Mom Connie passed. She was a sweet Lady. Annette ”
- Annette Mathieu Punelli
Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 9:06 AM
“We had the pleasure in many occasions to get to know Joan!! We are saddened to hear of her passing! Sending deepest sympathy, hugs and prayers to Richard, Kristie, Kathy and families during this difficult time of grieving, planning, traveling!! Heaven gained a wonderful soul!! XO”
- Bob & Minde Strief
Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 9:06 AM
“Kathy and Kristie.. I have so many great memories of your mom.. spending so much time with your family. I can still hear her call me Snicklefritz when she would see me. Many hugs and lots of love for you all!!!!”
- Jodie Hudson
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at 9:04 PM
“So sorry Kristi my heart breaks for you all. She was a great lady and kind. Hugs 🤗🙏 Betty ”
- Betty Luckow
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