Amanda Alma Thielke, was born on April 1, 1919, in Waterville, Minnesota, the daughter of Johan William (J.W.) and Anna (Suckow) Reu. She was baptized by her father, Pastor Reu in Waterville. She grew up on the family farm in Fairfield Township. She attended school at District 57 in Fairfield Township. Amanda was confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfield Township by Pastor Schwandt on March 20, 1932. On November 30, 1939, Amanda was united in marriage to Martin Thielke, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairfield Township by Pastor Zuberbier. This union was blessed with four children. Together they shared in 48 years of marriage. They lived on a farm in Fairfield Township where Amanda helped her husband farm. In 1983 they retired and moved into Benson. Amanda loved attending her children's, grandchildren's, and great grandchildren's, sporting events. She enjoyed bowling and playing cards. She loved embroidery, quilting, and gardening. She was called from this life on August 9, 2011, at the Courage Cottage in Morris, MN. She attained the age of 92 years, 4 months, and 8 days. Amanda is survived by her children; Marlys (Richard) Giese, Holloway, Kathy (Ernie) Christianson, Montevideo, Marty (Dori) Thielke, Holloway, and Randy (LuJean) Thielke, Holloway; thirteen grandchildren; Mike (Bonnie) Giese, Brenda Christianson, Shelly (Todd) Sonnabend, Shannon (Aaron) Schmidt, Shane (Jen) Thielke, Chad Christianson, Justin (Gwen) Thielke, Missy (Jake) Foslien, Tracy (Chris) Grabowska, Tony Thielke, Tia Anna (Brent) Moe, Jolynn (Scott) Grabowska, and Tara Thielke; she was blessed with 22 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Martin in 1988, her parents Johan and Anna, her brothers William, Harold, Herbert and Walter Reu, a sister Alma Wente, and granddaughters Tiffany and Vicky.
