Iris Mae Thurs, 76, of Wausau, passed away on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.
She was born on May 23, 1940, in the town of Stettin, to the late Leo and Hertha (Krenz) Strei. Iris grew up in the town of Stettin, attended school there, and graduated from Wausau High School. She met and later married Orville Thurs in Rib Falls on June 3, 1961.
Iris was always known for putting others ahead of herself. She was a caring and giving person that always had concern for those around her. She kept herself busy and was rarely found at home, whether it was working or involvement the community.
Iris and Orville farmed in the town of Hamburg for many years and in 1992 they sold the farm and moved into Wausau. She worked for Able Plumbing, Lemke Cheese, Eastbay, and Designing Women. She was involved in many activities and groups including, Shriners, church groups at St. Peter, Homemakers Club, Pommerscher Verein, bowling teams, card clubs, Wausau Chamber, Farm Bureau at the fair, and her coffee klatch. Orville and Iris also enjoyed travelling and taking bus trips.
Survivors include children, Sherrie (Barton Hinkle) Thurs of Herington, KS and Scott (Colleen) Thurs of Friendship; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Gerald (Mary) Strei of Wausau, Jerome (Pam) Strei of Rothschild, Joel Strei of the town of Stettin, and Leon (Luann) of the town of Stettin; sister, Anne Zinsmeister of Portage; nieces and nephews; and grandnieces and grandnephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Orville; parents, Leo and Hertha; brother, Charles Strei; and sister, Helen Strei.
A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2017, at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 329 County Road A, Marathon (Town of Hamburg), with Rev. Philip Bogen officiating. Family and friends may call on Friday, April 28, at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau, beginning at 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again at the church on Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow in St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery, town of Hamburg.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.
Visitation
Helke Funeral Home and Cremation Services
302 Spruce Street
Wausau, WI 54401
Friday, April 28, 2017
3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Service
St. Peter Lutheran Church
329 County Road A
Marathon, WI 54448
Saturday, April 29, 2017
11:00 AM
Cemetery
St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery
329 County Road A
Marathon, WI 54448
Saturday, April 29, 2017