Caledonia Argus

Posted: 12/31/03

Margaret Thies

Margaret Lee Thies, 89, died on December 25, 2003, at Zephyr Haven nursing home in Zephyrhills, Florida, after suffering from Alzheimerís for seven years.

Her husband of 63 years, Paul Thies, preceded her in death in 2001 at the age of 95. Paul was a native of Caledonia.

Her love of life, children, music, reading, and travel gave her 33-year career of teaching a special quality of enthusiasm that inspired generations of elementary school students in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Florida.

Margaret and Paul Thies moved from their Galesville home in Wisconsin to Brooksville in 1961, where she continued her teaching career until her retirement in 1976.

They established their next and final home in Zephyrhills in 1978.

International travel was one of their life passions. Over the years they visited some 20 countries including Mexico, Israel, Jordan, England, Ireland, Scandinavia and various other European countries as well as Hong Kong, Thailand and Singapore.

Margaret was born to Mathilda and Knute Lee in Spring Grove, MN, on March 16, 1914. She graduated from high school in 1930 and continued her education at Winona State Teachers College (now Winona State University) and received a preliminary associate degree in 1932 that allowed her to begin rural school teaching. This was prior to her marriage to Mr. Thies in 1938. She later continued her education at Winona State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1955 and Master of Science Degree in 1959.

She is survived by a daughter, Mary Peters of New Orleans, and John (Jack) of Zephyrhillis, FL; six grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren.

Services will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2004, at 4 p.m. in the chapel at the First United Methodist Church of Zephyrhills. Memorials may be made in her name to either Hernando-Pasco Hospice, 7066 Fort King Road, Zephyrhills, FL 33541 or to Zephyr Haven Staff Emergency Fund, Zephyr Haven Nursing Home, 38250 A Ave. Zephyrhills, FL 33542.

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