Bernice Alma Thobe

Bernice Alma Thobe, known to her loved ones as "Bird," passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, in Audubon, Iowa. A daughter of Leonard and Sabina (Heithoff) Sporrer, she was born on November 25, 1942, in Dedham, Iowa.

On January 27, 1962, she was united in marriage to Marvin Thobe. In her professional life, Bernice held various positions throughout her career. She worked at Federated Store in Audubon and contributed her skills to the Audubon School System. Her final employment was at Twin Construction.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Bernice found great joy in her hobbies and interests. She had a passion for sewing, quilting, and candy making. Bernice loved watching the KC Chiefs football games and following the KC Royals baseball team. However, nothing brought her more happiness than witnessing her grandchildren participate in sports activities, dance recitals, and concerts. Bernice loved playing cards with her husband, Marvin, and cherished moments spent with friends engaging in friendly card games.

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Sabina (Heithoff) Sporrer, as well as two brothers in infancy, Joyce Irlmeier, Jerome Sporrer, and Cletus Sporrer and Marvin Sporrer.

Survived by her devoted husband, Marvin Thobe of Audubon, IA; Bernice's children are Becky (Joel) Flug of Ankeny, IA; Mike (Carol) Thobe of Carroll, IA; Patrick Thobe of Dallas, TX; Karla (Dennis) Petersen of Audubon IA; Amy (Kenny) Petersen of Audubon IA. Additionally blessed are her grandchildren: Ryan Flug, Brandon Flug, Michelle Reiling, Jordan Thobe, Lucas Thobe, Jake Petersen, Melanie Nielsen, Tanner Petersen, McKenna Petersen, and Brylynn Petersen. Further extending her lineage are eleven great-grandchildren who will carry on her memory. Bernice is also survived by her siblings, LaVonne Thobe, Melvin Sporrer, Audrey Behrens, Joan Irlmeier, Janice Wieland, and Arlene Wanninger.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, July 29, 2023, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Audubon, IA. Visitation with the family present will be from 9 am until the time of service at the church. After the mass, a luncheon will be held at the Agri Hall in Audubon. Private family burial will take place at the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Audubon, IA.

The Concelebrants will be Fr. David Nkrumah and assisted by Deacon Fred Cornwell. The lector for the Funeral Mass will be Carol Thobe. Gift Bearers will be Michelle Reiling, Jordan Thobe, McKenna Petersen, Brylynn Petersen, and Melanie Nielsen. Casket bearers are Jake Petersen, Derek Nielsen, Tanner Petersen, Dylan Conley, Luke Thobe, Ryan Flug, Brandon Flug, and Zac Reiling. Honorary Casket Bearers are Doug Wanninger, Jane Thobe, Bev Klocke, Annette Bruch, Alvera Rosonke, Helen Wiederin.

Memorials may be directed to the Bernice and Marvin Thobe Family and mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the staff of Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic, IA.