Obituaries
Lillian "Thelma" (Waychoff) Zwiefel
August 11, 1913 - May 16, 2012Thelma Zwiefel, 98, of Clarion passed away Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at The Heart of Wright (formerly Careage of Clarion) in Clarion.
Funeral services for Thelma Zwiefel will be held on Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 10:30 AM at the First United Methodist Church, 201 3rd Avenue North East, in Clarion with Pastor Don Morrison officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Clarion.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 18, 2012, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Ewing Funeral Home, 602 North Main Street, in Clarion and will continue one hour prior to services at the church.
Lillian Thelma Belle (Waychoff) Zwiefel, the daughter of Chancy and Lillian (Rasmussen) Waychoff, was born August 11, 1913 in Audubon county at her grandmother’s home. She was raised on a farm near Audubon and Exira. Thelma attended country school through the 8th grade.
As a child, Thelma helped with chores on the farm, milking cows, feeding chickens, gathering eggs, as well as field and garden work. She later worked at the Polk County Farm as a cook, and in a restaurant.
Thelma was united in marriage to Fred Zwiefel on March 19, 1936, and moved to LuVerne. To this union, children Darlene, Daryl, and Vicky were born. The family made their home in Goldfield, and later, in the Dows and Clarion area. Fred died of a heart attack in June of 1959. Following Fred’s death, Thelma worked for several families in Clarion, doing housework and cooking.
Thelma retired in December of 1978. She enjoyed reading and taking care of her grandchildren. She also enjoyed baking, gardening, attending church, going out for coffee and playing cards with the senior citizens group.
Thelma was a member of First United Methodist Church in Clarion, Royal Neighbors, and the VFW Auxiliary. She was a past member of the Rebekka Lodge, where she was a Past Noble Grand.
Thelma is survived by her children, Darlene Triggs of Mount Ayr, Daryl (Phyllis) Zwiefel of Clarion, and Vicky (Phil) Montag of Dows; her grandchildren, Diana Triggs of Des Moines, Kevin (Kathy) Triggs of Mount Ayr, Linda (Tommy) Garner of Richland, Michigan, Mark (Kristi) Zwiefel of Clarion, Philip John Montag III of Lincoln, Nebraska, Katie (Wally) Wernimont of Dubuque, Sara (Brock) VaDeer of Austin, Minnesota, and Elizabeth Montag of Waukee; great-grandchildren Johnathan Triggs, Tyler Triggs, Kyle Garner, David Garner, Denise Garner, Brandon Zwiefel, Megan Zwiefel, Autumn Wernimont, Walker Wernimont, Will Wernimont, Elle Wernimont, Lillian VaDeer, and Hunter VaDeer; her sisters, Loine Reichardt and Bonnie Staehli, both of Des Moines; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.
Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Fred, a granddaughter Laura Zwiefel in 1998, a son-in-law Marvin Triggs in 1994, sisters Arthella and Laurene, and her brothers Alvin, Harlen, and Glen.
Visitation
When: Friday, May 18, 2012 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Where: Ewing Funeral Home
602 North Main Street, Clarion, Iowa
Service
When: Saturday, May 19, 2012 10:30 AM
Where: First United Methodist Church
201 3rd Avenue North East, Clarion, Iowa
