Leo Thilges

Leo Michael Thilges, 64, of Charles City died Monday, March 31, 2014 at the VA Hospital in Iowa City. A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 5th at 11:00 A.M. at the Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home - Olson Chapel in Nashua. Friends may greet the family one hour prior to the memorial service. Refreshments will be provided following the service at the family home in Charles City. Leo was born in Algona, Iowa, son of Leo Joseph and Wanda (Steele) Thilges. Leo graduated from Charles City High School in 1968. He went on to serve in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1972, during the Vietnam era, aboard the U.S.S. Kittyhawk. While serving, he was part of an elite fire fighting team as well as an accomplished certified welder. He married the love of his life, Vicki Shaver, in San Bernadino, California on October 21,1972. Leo worked as a fabricator and welder at White Farm Tractor Co. for 19 years. He then went on to work for Salsbury Chemical (Cambrex) for 19 years as a utility mechanic. His careerwas celebrated by his exceptional work ethic and his willingness to teach others. Leo retired at the age of 60, but continued to work remodeling homes for friends and family. For 20 years, Leo and Vicki grew thousands of pounds of beautiful produce for local farmer’s markets. Many wonderful friendships were created through the farmer’s market. Leo had many hobbies and passions throughout his life which included large scale gardening, landscaping, fine woodworking, woodcutting, and inventing. During summer months Leo and his family enjoyed grilling and countless competitive hours of bean bag and croquet tournaments. One of his lifelong dreams was to build his own home which he accomplished in 1985 with the help of a good friend, his wife, and three sons. Family was the heart of Leo. Through Leo and Vicki’s love, they were blessed with three sons, Christopher (Jennifer) of Center Point, James (Kate) of Cedar Falls, Leo Adam (Emily) of Cedar Falls, and six grandchildren, Gabrielle, Owen, Paxton, Ethan, Bennett, and Alanna. Leo was preceded in death by his mother, Wanda (Steele) Thilges. Memorials may be sent to Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home, 319 Main Street, Nashua, Iowa.