Theresia  Anna  King
  • Born on: August 29, 1931
  • Departed on: January 18, 2021
  • Resided in: Johnston , IA

Theresia Anna King

Thessy died on January 18, 2021 after a brief stay at the Hospice House in Johnston surrounded by family. She spent 2 years battling Alzheimer’s at home with her husband as her main caregiver. Because of the restrictions of Covid-19 no memorial service is planned at this time.

Thessy was born August 29, 1931 in Waldsassen, Bavaria Germany. She was one of seven children to parents Karl & Therese Zrenner. Thessy had five children: Jayne Sylvia Smith, Debby Meyer, Cindy (Wayne) Lang, Franklin (Sheryl) King, and Yvonne (Jerry) Holtz. Thessy married Lynn C. King on July 3, 1959 the love of her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, oldest daughter and her first husband.

How do we begin to tell the story of a woman as complex as the years she lived? Thessy attended Catholic school and was educated like many girls in her day, with not just school lessons but skills in needlework. Thessy’s stitches were so exceptional, telling the front from the back was often difficult.

Thessy came to America in 1948 as a war bride. On arriving, she was challenged to learn English quickly and became a US Citizen. Thessy remained bilingual her entire life.  

Thessy’s first 12 years were spent in St. Clair County, Illinois where she met and married Lynn King.   The next 50 years, her home was in Colorado - a state she loved. Why the move to Iowa? Family.

Thessy held a variety of jobs where she made several lifelong friendships along the way. She said “she never met a stranger”. Her favorite job was a business called ‘The Elegant Difference’ that she operated with her daughter Debby. They sold products from her home country: fine porcelain, crystal and lace. Much of the inventory is still displayed in her home. Thessy had a passion for teapots and vases. Did you know she had an entire room dedicated to her dolls and Steiff collections?

Thessy loved hosting her neighborhood group for coffee and tea. She also enjoyed playing games: Pinochle, Hand and Foot, Greed, Dominos, Video Poker and Bingo. She was a great spare bowler in her time on the lanes. Thessy also loved scouring flea markets and antique stores for a bargain or two.

Most of all, she loved dancing with her husband. They met on the dance floor in 1957. Watching them dance definitely brought a smile to everyone in the room. They spent many of their social hours on the dance floor.

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