Theda Jean Wiese

Theda Jean Wiese, daughter of Raymond and Hermagene (Stephens) Towne, was born on February 25, 1939, in Portsmouth, Iowa. She grew up in Walnut and graduated with the Class of 1957.

After high school, Theda worked at Mutual of Omaha for two years before moving to Avoca. It was at the Chicken Hut in Harlan that she met Allan Wiese, and the two were united in marriage on June 14, 1959, at the Presbyterian Church in Walnut. Their union was blessed with three children: Roger, Jean, and Ronald.

In 1963, Theda and Allan relocated to Manning after Allan accepted a position with American Protein. Theda served as the head cook at Manning Community School, a role she held with dedication for 25 years, until her retirement in 2001. After retiring, she remained active by working part-time as a secretary at the United Methodist Church in Manning. Theda was deeply involved and devoted to her community. She served as an officer with the MRHC Auxiliary, volunteered with RSVP, and Reading Buddies at both the Manning and IKM-Manning Schools, and gave her time volunteering at the Manning Hausbarn Events and Gift Shop. She was one of the first committee members for the annual Weihnachtsfest and participated in a wide range of local groups and traditions, including Second Street candy-making, the Ladies of the Round Table, Volkswalken, and more.

A loyal supporter of the Manning Bulldogs and IKM-Manning Wolves, Theda rarely missed a game. She cherished time spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and friends. She also enjoyed camping and fishing at Lake View and Storm Lake, and her favorite, filled with many memories was the family’s annual Hanson/Wiese weeklong cousin getaways at Spirit Lake.

Following Allan’s passing in 1994, Theda moved to the Myer Apartments on Center Street in Manning in 1995, where she formed many close friendships. In 2019, she relocated to the Lamp Apartments in Manning, and in December 2024, she moved to Regency Park in Carroll.

Fulfilling her wishes, Theda received skilled care at MRHC, where she passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at the age of 86 years, 2 months, and 13 days.

In addition to her parents, Raymond and Hermagene Towne, she was preceded in death by her husband, Allan Wiese; sister, Patricia Graham; brother, Gary Towne; sister-in-law, Ladelle Hanson; brother-in-law, Junie Hanson; sister-in-law, Lyla Thompson; brother-in-law, Allen Thompson; daughter-in-law, Kristin Wiese and daughter-in-law, Jeanette Wiese.

Theda is survived by her children: Roger (Chris) Wiese of Manning, Jean (Todd) Stadtlander of Manning, and Ronnie Wiese of West Des Moines; grandchildren: Kara (Doug) Havick, Parker Wiese, Aly Stadtlander (fiancé Will Taylor), Zoey Wiese, and Olivia Wiese; two great-grandchildren: Owen and Camden Havick; step-grandchildren: Jazmine (Matt) Malone and their children, Declan and Rowan Malone, Zac Kratofil (fiancée Haley Jones) and son Crue Kratofil; brother, Don Towne; other extended family members and friends.

Visitation with Family Greeting Friends will be on Monday, May 12, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Manning. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., also at church. Burial will be in the Manning Cemetery.