Esther Thys

ESTHER THYS

Belle Plaine

Esther A. Thys, 95, of Belle Plaine, passed into the hands of the Lord on July 6, 2016, at Keystone Care Center.

Esther was born Aug. 23, 1920, in rural Brooklyn to Charles and Emma (Polka) Iezek. She lived on a farm northwest of Hartwick and attended school at Hartwick High School, where she graduated with the Class of 1938.

Esther was united in marriage to Richard Thys on Feb. 1, 1940. Esther loved to cook and bake. She worked at Jefferson High School cafeteria in Cedar Rapids as a baker and later at Collins Radio.

The couple retired to Scottsdale, Ariz., and later moved into a new house in Belle Plaine, where Esther resided until 2013. While in Belle Plaine, Esther volunteered for RSVP for the school system for 10 years. She also loved to garden, do craft work, crochet and spend time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Duane (Carolyn) Thys of Cedar Rapids and Shirley Thys Cole (Rick) of Victor; a granddaughter, Susan (Ken) Mark; and three great-grandchildren, Joey, Victor and Carly.

Esther was preceded in death by her husband, Richard; and her four sisters, Ella, Lottie, Leona and Marie.

Visitation will be in Belle Plaine at Hrabak Funeral Service on Sunday, July 10, from 4 to 7 p.m.

Services will be Monday, July 11, at St. Michael's Church in Belle Plaine at 10:30 a.m., with visitation one hour before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family or Keystone Care Center.

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.hrabakfuneralhome.com.

The family would like to thank all of the staff at Keystone Care Center for their genuine caring for Esther, as well as for the family, during this difficult time.