Gerald Thiedeman

Gerald Irwin Thiedeman was born May 17, 1932 to Irwin and Gladys (Jans) Thiedeman in Manning, Iowa.   He was baptized in the Evangelical Reformed Lutheran church in Westside and grew up on the family farm south of Westside. He attended country school and Westside High School, graduating in May of 1950. He played varsity basketball and attended Iowa State University for a time.

Gerald's life was characterized by service and commitment. In February 1953, he enlisted in the Army and served for 18 months in Korea with the 519th Military Police, attaining the rank of Army Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge in December 1954. His military service was a testament to his bravery and patriotism.

Gerald married Lila Mae Rickers, on October 12, 1952. Together, they raised three sons: Gene, Ross, and Chip; instilling in them values of hard work and family. Gerald's devotion to his family was unwavering, and he cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply.

Gerald came back to farm with his dad and lived on the Century farm in 1956. The family moved to Westside in 1980 where he continued helping his son, Gene with farming till 2010 especially during harvest, enjoying the hours on the combine.

Throughout his life, Gerald pursued various interests with vigor. He was a talented bowler, an enthusiastic card player, and enjoyed testing his luck at local casinos. He also had a passion for attending farm and antique sales

A man of faith, Gerald was a member of Arcadia Zion Lutheran Church where he found solace and community. He also served as a director for the Crawford County Cattle Feeders Association for several years and remained an active member of the American Legion #196 for 60 years, as well as being part of the Manning VFW.

Gerald passed away peacefully on Monday, March 18th, 2024 at Bergan Mercy hospital in Omaha, attaining the age of 91 years, 10 months, and 1 day. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Lila in 2022, his parents, Irwin & Gladys Thiedeman, his parents-in-law, Roy & Clara Rickers, his brother and sister-in-law Merle and Mary Thiedeman, and his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Merlin & Gladys Rickers.

He is survived by his sons Gene (Carmen) of Westside, Ross of Dallas, TX, and Gerald, Jr. “Chip” (Brenda) of Garner; six grandchildren: Leigh Thiedeman of Lincoln, NE, Gavin (Holly) Thiedeman of Swedesboro, NJ, Shelby (Derrick) Jackenheimer of Hendersonville, TN, Sean (fiance Carolyn) Thiedeman of Highlands Ranch, CO, Angela (Parker) Breiland of Eagan, MN, and Jerod Thiedeman of Garner, IA; three great-granddaughters: Evelynn and Lainey (Angela and Parker) Breiland, and Lila (Gavin and Holly) Thiedeman.  He is also survived by nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

Funeral service will be at Arcadia Zion Lutheran Church at 11:30 am, Wednesday, March 20th. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the Westside American Legion Alfred Rossman Post No. 196