Joann Catherine Thessen
September 3, 1932 ~ August 19, 2017
Joann Catherine Thessen, 84, of Taos, passed away Saturday, August 19, 2017, at SSM Health St. Marys Hospital.
She was born September 3, 1932, in St. Louis, Missouri, the daughter of the late John and Veronica Fronie (Frank) Iven.
She was a 1950 graduate of St. Peter High School.
She was united in marriage on May 3, 1952, at St. Peter Catholic Church in Jefferson City to William John Bill Thessen.
Joann spent most of her life as a farm wife, homemaker, and caregiver. She assisted her husband, Bill, on the family farm and helped to raise nine children. She also had worked for Woolworths Dime Store, State Farm Insurance, and the Missouri Conservation Commission.
She was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos where she helped as a weekly collections counter and was a member of the parish prayer line. Joann volunteered at the Hospice Resell Shop, and as an election voter poll worker. She enjoyed quilting and sewing, gardening, playing cards, and traveling.
Joann is survived by her husband, Bill Thessen, Taos; nine children, Linda (Steve) Distler, Taos; Kathy (Tony) Rackers, Taos; Cindy (Bill) Cravens, Fulton; John (Bev) Thessen, Taos; Nancy (Denny) Crocker, New Bloomfield; Mike (Susie) Thessen, Dardenne Prairie, MO; Greg (Joanne) Thessen, Indianola, Iowa; Paul (Shelie) Thessen, Dardenne Prairie, MO; Stanley (Angie) Thessen, Taos; 25 grandchildren, Eric (Julie) Distler, Kim (Joe) Plassmeyer, Cara (Josh) Sandbothe, Kyle Distler (fianc Lauren Whitlock), Scott Rackers, Adam Rackers, Luke (Tonya) Rackers, Jeremy (Jen) Cravens, Ryan Cravens, Betsy Cravens, Kristin (Matt) Scheppers, Jacob Thessen, Andrew Crocker, Malorie Crocker, Emma Thessen, Andy Thessen, Ben Thessen, Katie Thessen, Sam Thessen, Jack Thessen, Will Thessen, Lucas Thessen, Addie Thessen, Sophie Thessen, Maggie Thessen; 11 great-grandchildren with two more expected this fall; one brother-in-law and two sisters-in-law, Walter and Dorothy Thessen, Wardsville; Margaret Kliethermes, Loose Creek; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Judy Iven; brother-in-law, Alvin Kliethermes; and a step-father, Hershel Jenkins.
Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 23rd, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos with a prayer service at 3 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Thursday, August 24th, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos with the Rev. Gregory C. Meystrik officiating.
Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to Masses; or to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church at 7319 Route M, Jefferson City, Missouri 65101.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Our deepest sympathy to each of you. Such a lovely lady.
My deepest condolences to all of the family. I worked with Joann for many years at the Conservation Department and enjoyed her so much. She was such a wonderful and caring person whom I will always have fond memories. God bless her.
So sorry for your loss. Our Thoughts & Prayers to the entire family during this most difficult day, weeks and months ahead. God Bless
Our sincere condolescences on the passing of your wife & dear mother. My parents, Ted & Loraine Reich Kliethermes shared many fond memories with your parents. As a child I remember visiting your farm. Cherished memories of a lovely family. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you.
Our sincere sympathy to you, Bill, and your entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I’m sorry I can’t make it down there as my hip has been giving me problems. Joann was one of my favorite high school friends. We always enjoyed staying at each other’s houses during high school days. God bless all of you.
Cara, Kyle, Jake and the entire Thessen family; you are in my thoughts and prayers. A loss like this can rock the very foundations of your world. Hold onto each other and celebrate your Grandma’s life. She has won the race!
Our deepest sympathy to each of you! Our prayers and thoughts are with you! Cherish the memories! We regret not being able to attend the services! Lenora and Joe Twehus
Greg, my prayers are with you and your family at this time. May you all find peace and comfort in the wonderful memories you have shared. Hugs from your NASS family.
John, Bev, Kristin and Jake, May the Lord wrap his arms around you and your family in this time of need. Your mother was a beautiful lady John. Love the slideshow! Cherish those beautiful Memories!! Hugs and Prayers!
Bernice and I were very sorry to hear of the loss to your family. She will be missed by not only the family but of all her friends.
Linda and Steve: we were out of town last week and just hear about your mom passing. You have our sympathy and definitely in our prayers. It’s always hard to lose a loved one.