Joann Thielen

JOANN THIELEN JoAnn Thielen, 76, formerly of Atlantic, passed away early Sunday morning, December 7, 2008 at the Avoca Nursing & Rehab Center in Avoca, Iowa. JoAnn was born on April 21, 1932 in Audubon, Iowa to Milroy and Lucille Bills. She attended school in Exira and graduated from Exira High School. JoAnn enjoyed her work over many years being a travel agent. She established several travel agencies in southwest Iowa located in Harlan, Exira, Treynor, Corning and Atlantic. As part of her work, she traveled to many countries to learn and observe customs. Countries that she visited were Iceland, South Africa, Korea, Japan and several European countries. She was an excellent travel guide and enjoyed the many people she met in her business. After a trip to Germany for October Fest, she returned and helped start Atlantic Fest 25 years ago. JoAnn was a member of many organizations such as CTC (Certified Travel Consultants), ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), WIM (Women in Management), Cattle Women, Does, Cass Country Tourism, Southwest Iowa Tourism, YMCA, Red Hat Ladies and Kiwanis where she was a past president. She played piano for the Exira Catholic Church and the Exira United Church of Christ and worked the last few years at the Danish Museum in Elk Horn, Iowa. JoAnn enjoyed playing cards, cooking, holidays and her traveling but most of all, she enjoyed her family, children, grandchildren and great granchildren. She is survived by her children, Michael and Terri Thielen of Atlantic, IA, Susan and Kenneth Weber of Avoca, IA, Scott and Terri Cook Thielen of Atlantic, IA and Paul and Tamara Thielen of Longview, WA; a brother Donald and Peggy Bills of Prairie Grove, AR; grandchildren, Katie (Adam) Goshorn, Nathan (April) Thielen, Chris (Jen) Weber, Zac Thielen, Paige Thielen, Matthew and Andrew Thielen, four great grandchildren, Delaney Goshorn, Cameron Thielen, Gabe Weber and Jacob Thielen; numerous other relatives and friends including Julie Dvorak who lived with them. JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister.Funeral InformationServices for JoAnn will be held at the United Church of Christ in Atlantic, Iowa on Friday, December 12, at 10:30 AM with Pastor Nancy Jensen officiating. There will be an open visitation at the Roland Funeral Home with a Rosary said on Thursday evening, December 11, at 5:00 PM with a visitation with the family to follow from 5:30 - 7:30. Interment will be at a later date. The Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic is caring for JoAnn"s family and her arrangements. Condolences for the family may be left on our website: www.rolandfuneralservice.com.IN REMEMBRANCE OFJoAnn Thielen Born April 21, 1932Audubon, Iowa ENTERED INTO RESTSunday, December 7, 200876 years, 7 month and 16 daysFUNERAL SERVICE10:30 AM Friday, December 12, 2008United Church of Christ ~ Atlantic, IowaOFFICIATINGPastor Nancy JensenUnited Church of Christ ~ Atlantic, Iowa MEMORIES SCRIPTURE Paul Thielen Katie GoshornMUSICAL SELECTIONS"Let There Be Peace on Earth&" ~ Prelude"Amazing Grace&" by the Congregation #546"I Can Only Imagine&" ~ CD"O Holy Night&" by Jodi Griener"Let There By Peace on Earth&" ~ PostludeKEYBOARDJodi GrienerBEARERS Nathan Thielen Chris Weber Adam Goshorn Matthew Thielen Andrew Thielen Zac ThielenJoe DvorakHONORARY BEARERS Cameron Thielen Gabe Weber Jacob Thielen FLOWER COMMITTEEThe FamilyCOMMITTAL SERVICEOakfield Cemetery at a later time LUNCHEONJoAnn"s family extends an invitation for friends to join them for a luncheon at the Atlantic United Church of Christ following the service.