Lawrence A. Thines

Lawrence A. Thines (JR), 67 of Preston, Iowa, passed away suddenly at home, on January 20, 2026. Born on May 21, 1958, in Clinton, Iowa, he was the son of Lawrence and Eleanor Thines. Lawrence lived his life close to the land he loved–growing up farming outside of Preston, Iowa. To many of his friends, he was affectionately known as “Tiny.”

Lawrence married Madonna Burke on October 10, 1987. They celebrated 38 years of marriage. Together they raised two children, Laura and Adam. He cherished his role as grandfather to three boys–-Jerick, Knox, and Rohen–their various sports games, car rides around the countryside and summer fishing days.

Lawrence was proud of his herd of Red Angus cows. He also enjoyed working at Equity Exchange in Maquoketa and conversing with local farmers. You could often see him driving around the countryside and stopping to talk to anyone he saw and knew. His lifelong passion was farming, and he founded Thines Construction. He was a “jack of all trades.”

Lawrence never missed a trail ride with his faithful horse JJ. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye, Chicago Cubs, and Chicago Bears fan, never missing a televised event.

Lawrence was active in his community. He served on the Jackson County Cattlemen board where he especially enjoyed grilling for various events. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus having served as past Grand Knight. He built or repaired many things in the area, oftentimes donating his time and knowledge.

He will be dearly missed by his wife, Madonna; daughter, Laura (Landon) Driscoll of West Branch, Iowa; son, Adam Thines of Spragueville, Iowa; and three grandsons, Jerick Thines and Knox and Rohen Driscoll. He will also be missed by his seven siblings and extended family including: Diane (Tom) Ernst of DeWitt, Iowa; Lou Ann (Roger) Heiar of Bellevue, Iowa; Roxanne (Tom) Portz of Maquoketa, Iowa; Marianne Thines of Lebanon, New Hampshire; John (fiance, Carla Holdgrafer) of Preston, Iowa; Jim (Kristi) Thines of Maquoketa, Iowa; and Craig (Michelle) Thines of Preston, Iowa. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Mary Anne (Bob) Braden of Eldridge, Iowa; and brother-in-law, George (Angie) Burke, Jr. of Wisconsin along with numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces, great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his father and mother-in-law, two great nieces, Ilah Portz and Emily Rheingans, and a brother-in-law, Don Burke.

Visitation will be at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Preston, Iowa on Monday, January 26, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Church on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation that morning from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial of ashes will take place at a later date. A luncheon will be held following the Mass at the church hall.