In Memory of LaDon Thayer

LaDon Thayer, age 89, of Odebolt, Iowa passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020, at his residence of Odebolt, Iowa.

A Private Family Funeral Service will be held at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Odebolt, Iowa. Rev. David Viggers will officiate. Committal will follow in the Odebolt Cemetery of Odebolt, Iowa. The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Odebolt, Iowa is in charge of the funeral arrangements.  Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

LaDon Charles Thayer, the son of DeLos and Olive (Little) Thayer was born January 4, 1931, in Ida Grove, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Cook Lutheran Church. LaDon attend several country schools throughout Ida and Sac counties before farming became his career.

On October 15, 1950, LaDon married Elaine C. Weitzel at Cook Lutheran Church. All though they were young, their love was a love that soared for decades, as this coming October they would have been married for 70 years. Elaine liked to joke with LaDon that she saved him from a lot of headaches. The couple was blessed with three children Grant, Peggy and Daniel. They made their home on the farm just east of Odebolt. Family was of utmost importance to LaDon. He attended many sporting and cheer events to watch Grant, Peggy and Daniel. He continued supporting and encouraging his grandchildren and great grandchildren in all of their activities.

LaDon milked cows from the late 50’s through the early 70’s, never once complaining about the early starts or the demands of the job. In fact, he’d have chores done by the time the bus was picking up the kids. Many a stories’ can be shared regarding the 3-5 bulls LaDon also had at that time. After retiring from milking cows, LaDon farrowed and finished hogs for another 30 years, before he and Elaine moved to town in 2010. If he was asked, LaDon would say he would do it all again.

LaDon’s faith was influential in his everyday actions, always kind to those he met. When it was time to build the current Trinity Lutheran church, LaDon was asked to be on the building committee, a task he was proud to do. He continued being an active member of Trinity Lutheran serving as an elder and trustee.
Left to cherish his memory include his loving wife Elaine Thayer of Odebolt, IA; daughter Peggy (Ron) Hoffman of Omaha, NE; son Daniel (Daisy) Thayer of Odebolt, IA; daughter-in-law Irene Thayer of Odebolt, IA; grandchildren Katie (Andrew) Parr, Kristopher (Sarah) Thayer, April (Lee) Lorshbaugh and Zachary Thayer; sister-in-law Kay (Allen) Olson of Nemaha, IA; brother-in-law Eugene (Sandra) Weitzel of Early, IA; six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son, Grant Thayer; Parents DeLos and Olive Thayer; in-laws Albert and Mae Weitzel; brother-in-law Phillip Weitzel.