Thelma Stull

Funeral services for Thelma JoAnn Stull, 88, will be Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at the Dallas Christian Church in Melcher-Dallas. Interment will be at the Dallas Cemetery following the service. A luncheon will be served at the church following the burial. Family will receive friends on Friday, June 9, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Melcher-Dallas. Memorials may be made to the Dallas Christian Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospitals, or the Melcher-Dallas Fire and Rescue.

Thelma was born to Harold and Helen Kading on February 25th, 1935, in Knoxville, Iowa. She passed away Sunday, June 4th, 2023, at her home in rural Lacona, with family by her side.  Thelma graduated from Pleasantville High School in 1952 and then attended what is now Iowa State University for two years.

Thelma leaves behind a heartfelt legacy as a devoted wife, loving mother of five children, proud grandmother to fourteen grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were her husband Gene in 2004; parents Harold, Helen, and Marlene Kading; sisters Kathleen Burk and infant sister Ruth Kading.

Thelma's career included working at American Republic Insurance, Shorty's Steakhouse, The Farmhouse, and Preferred Risk (Guide One) Insurance. She always helped Gene with bookkeeping for his construction company and the farm. Her love for nature showed to all who knew her, as she was an avid animal lover who would adopt strays and care for sick animals each winter. Thelma enjoyed working in the yard and garden where she cultivated beautiful flowers that brightened up any space she graced.

Aside from caring for animals and gardening, Thelma loved helping others. She always kept up with old friends from the high school graduating class and would go out of her way to be generous and kind-hearted. Her intelligence shined through her creativity as she was very artistic. She was an avid reader with an adventurous spirit that matched her love of travel—a passion that led Thelma to take kids to job sites where Gene built houses so they could experience new sights together. She loved discovering new places so much that she would never take the same route twice.

Thelma's hobbies included being a Hawkeyes fan until they played against the Cyclones. She was passionate about sports and her Cyclones. She had a standing call with a school mate to rehash every Cyclone football and basketball game - ever loyal to her team. Thelma's accomplishments include being a member of the Caloma Club, Marion County Historical Society, Garden Club, 4-H Leader of the Franklin Friends, and she served on both the Marion County Extension Council and the Marion County 4-H Board. Thelma also served on the Franklin Township Election Board. She was a devout Christian who served at Dallas Christian Church and Christian Women Group, Bible School, and Sunday school teacher for many years.

Thelma and her beautiful smile will be missed by her surviving family – children: Cheryl (Jim) Gravett, Craig Stull, Cathy (Tom) Huth, Corey Stull, Christine Williams; along with 14 grandchildren: Brandi (Kim) Hill, Jeremy Gravett, Amanda (Kevin) Harrier, Jocelyn (Alan) Brincks, Aaron (Jeremy) Stull, RheAnn Stull, Whitney Huth, Zachary (Jessica) Huth, Kyleigh Huth, Ashley (Brandon) Gries, Courtney Stull, Matthew (Mallory) Murphy-Stull, Joshua Williams, and Elijah Williams; 6 great grandchildren: Jorja, Jensyne, Anaelyse, Kellen, Carrick, and Ellie; siblings: Sandra Bischof, Kristen (Larry) Mesenbrink, and Gary (Cindy) Van Loon; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Thelma Stull will be remembered for her kind heart, contagious laughter and love of life. Her legacy extends far beyond her family that she leaves behind as she touched many lives throughout the years. Thelma lived a full life surrounded by those she cared deeply for every step of the way. Rest In Peace Thelma Stull - you will be missed but never forgotten.