December 2, 1951 – April 13, 2026
Jean Thilges, 74 of West Bend, passed away Monday, April 13, 2026, at her home in West Bend. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Divine Mercy Catholic Parish – Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in West Bend. Inurnment will take place at the Rodman Cemetery in Rodman. Visitation will be held one hour prior to Mass at the church in West Bend. Services have been entrusted to Lentz Funeral Home of West Bend. Online condolences may be left at http://www.lentzfuneralhome.com.
Jean Lavonne Thilges, the daughter of Harry and Iona (Debolt) Prentice, was born on December 2, 1951, in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Jean graduated from West Bend High School with the class of 1970. She furthered her education by attending Iowa Lakes Community College. Jean’s primary focus in her early adult years was being a dedicated mother, homemaker, and chauffeur for her three children. Jean later worked for several years at the West Bend Health and Rehab Center before semi-retirement and doing part-time work at the Double L Saloon.
Jean enjoyed spending time with her siblings, children, grandchildren, and nieces/nephews. She liked to visit and laugh with others, especially her sisters. Jean was a skilled baker who made countless batches of cookies and special k bars for her family.
Left to cherish Jean’s memory are her children: Nicholas (Mirthza) Thilges of Miamisburg, OH, Kari (Jeremy) Krook of Lakeville, MN and Kyle Thilges of Ottosen; grandchildren: Evan Krook, Ethan Krook, Misha Steed and Maia Steed and siblings: Carol Hoch of West Bend, Christa (Al) Christensen of Wesley and Vern Prentice of Mason City.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Harry and Iona Prentice; brothers: Glenn, Dean, Lee, Arden, and Warren; sisters: Dolores, Dorothy and Mary; and granddaughter: Elena Krook.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society in Iowa.
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