Kathleen "Kathy" Frances (Hildebrand) Thole

Kathleen “Kathy” Frances Thole, 63, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family Sunday March 10, 2024, at her home, following her courageous battle with cancer. Kathy was born August 3, 1960, in Manchester, the daughter of Edward and Betty (Maiers) Hildebrand. She was raised on a farm near Ryan and graduated from West Delaware High School in 1978.

On September 20, 1980, Kathy was united in marriage to John Thole at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Ryan. Together Kathy and John raised their five children on the family farm north of Manchester. Kathy and John have been blessed with multiple grandchildren.

Kathy worked off the farm for several years and enjoyed being the clerk for Edgewood Livestock Commission in recent years. She was a wife, daughter, mother, and loving grandmother to her nine grandchildren. She enjoyed working with all the livestock on the farm and spending time in her garden. Spending time at the county fairs and the Iowa State Fair were important as well. Kathy was loved dearly by all who knew her.

Kathy was a faithful member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. More than anything, Kathy enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, following them to sporting events, spoiling them and being with them in all other aspects of their lives.  

Survivors include her husband of 43 years, John Thole; her five children, Nick Thole of Lamont, Stacey (Mark) Fink of Manchester, Jenny (Chad) Eschen of Manchester, Jessie (Chris) Prizler of Oxford, and Michelle (Steve) German of Marion; her nine grandchildren, Madeline, Carter and Landon Fink, Cooper and Ethan Eschen, Conner, Cale and Corbin Prizler, and Vivian German with another grandchild on the way; her mother, Betty Hildebrand of Manchester; sister, Rose (Tom) Steffensmeir of Dyersville; sister-in-law, Ann Sperfslage of Manchester; several aunts and uncles; cousins; and many nieces and nephews.

Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Edward Hildebrand; her parents-in-law, Clarence and Frances Thole; sister, Mary Broghammer; and sister-in-law, Marian Freiburger. 

Special thank you to Physicians Clinic of Iowa staff, St. Luke’s hospital staff and Care Initiative Hospice staff for helping care and keep Kathy comfortable.

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