There are condolences waiting approval on Thelma 's Tribute wall
Celebrating the life of Thelma Louise Moorhead
Be the first to share your favorite memory, photo or story of
Thelma .
This memorial page is dedicated for family, friends and future generations to celebrate
the life of their loved one.
We ask on behalf of the family that you keep your comments uplifting and appropriate
to help all who come here to find comfort and healing.
Obituary for Thelma Louise Moorhead
Thelma Louise (Smithson) Moorhead, 98 of Casey passed away on Wednesday, February 5, 2020 at Elm Crest Retirement Community in Harlan where she resided for the past three and a half years. Funeral service will be held at 11 A.M. on Monday, February 10th at the Casey United Methodist Church with visitation to be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Dalmanutha Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Casey United Methodist Church. Online condolences may left at www.johnsonfamilyfuneral.com.
Thelma was born on August 5, 1921 to Otto and Lelia (Morris) Smithson in Jackson, MN. In 1929, when Thelma was 7, the family moved to a farm south of Panora. Thelma attended and graduated from Panora High School. On July 25, 1939, Thelma married friend and neighbor Dwayne Moorhead. Shortly thereafter, they moved to a farm west of Casey. It is here where they raised their four children. The family milked cows, raised sheep and hogs, and sold cream and eggs to a local market in Casey.
Thelma loved the outside. In 1973, after Dwayne passed away she spent the majority of her time outside tending to her garden, caring for her sheep and cattle, planting flowers and weeding to keep things looking “tidy.” When time permitted, Thelma loved sewing, canning, and caring for her beloved dog, Reagan. That being said, whenever you called and asked the question, “What are you doing?” she would almost always reply, “bookwork.” Thelma craved the sweets and always had stashes of chocolate, which she was reluctant to share, and was always ready for a bowl of homemade ice cream and never refused a hot dog with cheese.
Thelma proved she was able to manage a farming operation. She used diversity in her livestock program and shared the risk of raising a crop by share cropping with her renter. She was truly a “FARM HER” for 43 years after Dwayne’s passing. Amazingly, Thelma still managed a flock of sheep at the tender age of 88.
Thelma was a member of the Rebecca’s Lodge, Casey United Methodist Church, Eastern Star, a local card club and a neighborhood club that met monthly. Most of all, she treasured spending time with her children and grandchildren and hosting the annual “Hickory Nut Picnic” that brought family together.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dwayne; daughter, Kathleen Moorhead; grandson, Doug Arnburg; son-in-law, Gene Arnburg; siblings: Irene Keltner, Mildred Passmore, Morris Smithson, Gertrude Bullard and Beulah Dygert.
Thelma leaves behind her children: Norman (Linda) Moorhead of Bivins, TX, Connie Arnburg of Decorah, Gail (J.D.) Berkler of Largo, FL; grandchildren: Rick Moorhead, Sonja (David) Austin, Alan (Joann) Moorhead, Janese (Rocky) Moses, Scott (Kelli) Arnburg, Pamela (Dave) Irons, Kim Arnburg, Sandi (Scott) Cranston, Mike (Donna) Brownlee, Tammy (Lyn) Milcowitz, Ginger Arnburg; 34 great-grandchildren; 23 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Hazel Klinkefus of Panora; and a host of nieces, nephews extended family and friends that will miss her dearly.
