Willis M Thielges

Willis Michael Thielges, age 76, of Mankato, died Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at his home in Mankato.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 2:30 p.m., Saturday, January 5, 2008 at SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Mankato, with Rev. Don Rauscher officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mankato. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. on Friday at Mankato Mortuary, with a 6:30 p.m. Sharing of Memories and 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service. Visitation will also be at the church on Saturday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to ISJ Hospice or to the donor's choice.

Willie was born July 1, 1931 in Mankato. He was the son of Michael and Merceda (Hund) Thielges. Willie was a 1948 graduate of Loyola High School and attended Mankato Commercial College. He served his country in the U.S. Army, 82nd Airborne. Willie was united in marriage to Dixie Sheehan on August 23, 1952 in Mankato. He was a skilled craftsman, construction company owner, general contractor, and union bricklayer. Willie was a life-time member of SS. Peter & Paul Catholic Church. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, curling, tennis, racquetball, dancing, scuba diving, touring with the Lancers, and spending time with family and friends at their cabin.

Willie is survived by his wife, Dixie of Mankato; four children, Tony (Mary) Thielges of Las Vegas, NV, Mitch (Mindy) Thielges of Mankato, Sharon (Bob) Wright of Grantsburg, WI, and Joe (Cheryl Shaw) Thielges of Milwaukee, WI; seven grandchildren, Dan (Heather) Thielges, Tom Thielges, Derek Thielges, Mikayla Thielges, Tracy (Frankie) Culbertson, Ryan Thielges, and Jamie DeAtley; four great-grandchildren, Kyle, Miranda, Seth Willie, and Zak; three sisters, Frances Murphy, Helen Laven, and Leola Sontag-Kopp; one brother, Sylvester Thielges.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Daniel; brother, Larry; sister, Patty Scons, Tillie Roozen, and Ag Miller.