Mary Ann Thysen

     Mary Ann Thysen, the daughter of Thorvald and Mabel (Anderson) Wad, was born February 10, 1937, at her parent’s home in rural Audubon County near Hamlin, Iowa and died November 6, 2022, at the Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn, Iowa at the age of 85 years, 8 months, and 26 days.

     Mary Ann was baptized and confirmed at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton, Iowa. She attended rural schools then graduated from the Elk Horn High School with the Class of 1955. Mary Ann studied at the Standard Beauty School in Des Moines, Iowa then did her internship at a Salon in Harlan before receiving her license. After she received her license she opened her own business in Elk Horn, Iowa.

     On May 18, 1958, she was united in marriage to Gary “Tiny” Thysen at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton. They were blessed with four children Bruce, Shelli, Jay, and Renee. Mary Ann continued to operate her business then, in 1966 moved the business into her home where it was easier for her to take care of Tiny and their growing family. Tiny died in 1977. Mary Ann continued operating her business and being licensed for over 50 years until she retired in 2006. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends before moving to the Salem Lutheran Home in September of 2019.

     Mary Ann was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton. She was also a member of the Red Hats Society. She loved to bowl and over the years belonged to several bowling leagues. Mary Ann enjoyed decorating her home and doing hand work. She enjoyed spending time with her many friends, but most of all loved being involved in all the activities of her children and grandchildren.

     Preceding her in death was her husband Gary “Tiny” Thysen; her sons Bruce Thysen and Jay Thysen; her grandson Junior Thysen; her parents Thorvald and Mabel Wad; her mother-in-law and father-in-law Clarence and Daisy Thysen; her brothers Earl and wife Wilma Wad and Edward and wife Oda Wad; and Tiny’s grandmother Katherine (Katie) Thysen.

     Survivors include her daughters Shelli and husband Curtis Swensen of Audubon, Iowa and Renee and husband Shawn Gessert of Harlan, Iowa; her daughter-in-law Karen Thysen of Elk Horn, Iowa; her grandchildren Brittney Swensen of Eugene, Oregon, Megan Swensen of Fort Collins, Colorado, Krystina and husband Michael Killian of Atlantic, Iowa, Justice Gessert and her fiancé Dustin Bridgewater both of Des Moines, Iowa, Thysen Gessert and significant other Katie Anzalone both of Harlan, Iowa; her great grandchildren Dahila Killian, Owen Thysen, Olivia Killian, and Isabelle Killian all of Atlantic, Iowa; nieces,nephews, other relatives and many friends.

     The Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted by Pastor Timothy White on Wednesday, November 16, 2022, at 11:00 A.M. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton. Inurnment will be in the Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery in Elk Horn, Iowa. The family will meet with friends on Wednesday morning November 16, 2022, from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton