Loretta Thirsten

Loretta H. Thirsten, 97, Wausau, died Saturday, August 15, 2015 surrounded by her loving family under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Oak Heights Assisted Living, Kronenwetter.

Loretta was born July 1, 1918 in Wausau to the late William and Clara (Behnke) Hass. She graduated from Wausau High School in 1937 and worked at the soda fountain in Woolworths for a time. Loretta married Orville E. Thirsten on November 29, 1948 at Wesley United Methodist Church, Wausau. The couple was blessed with two children: Susan and David. After her children moved on from grade school, Loretta worked for GD Jones in food service for 24 years. Throughout her life, Loretta was active in her community, participating with the GD Jones Mothers Club, PTA and often volunteering whenever she could. Sadly, after celebrating 41 wonderful years together, Orville died in 1990.

Loretta's faith was very important to her; she was a lifelong member of Wesley United Methodist Church. She was a member of United Methodist Women and never missed an opportunity to bake tasty apple pies, Christmas cookies and chocolate chip cookies for bake sales.

Above all else, Loretta was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who loved any time spent with family and could always be counted on for support. She had a great love for working on crafts and socializing with friends and family.

Loretta is survived by her loving children, Susan (Bruce) Jaecks of Wausau and David (Susan) Thirsten of Green Lake; grandchildren, Tara (Brad) Reiter of Eau Claire, Andy Jaecks of Wausau and Emma Thirsten of Green Lake; great-grandchildren, Jonathon and Carissa Reiter both of Eau Claire and Izabell and Natalie Jaecks of Wausau; and extended family and friends. She is preceded in death by her brothers, William, Harold and Edward Hass; niece, Janet Haas; brothers and sisters-in-law, Florence Thirsten, Harold Thirsten, Eleanor and Charles Tabaka and Alvin and Anne Thirsten.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 20 at Wesley United Methodist Church, Wausau. Reverend Sue Lee, D. Min., will officiate. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM until 7:30 PM on Wednesday, August 19 at Helke Funeral Home, Wausau; continuing the next day from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at Pine Grove Cemetery, Wausau. You may sign our family guestbook at helke.com.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Very special words of thanks go to the nurses of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services, the staff of Community Care and Tammy Ruenger, RN and the staff and residents of Oak Heights Assisted Living for their compassionate and thoughtful care for Loretta and her family.