Thelma Spitzack

Thelma Jane Spitzack, 89, of Wanamingo, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at Cannon Rivers Senior Living in Cannon Falls, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born on March 9, 1936, in Morristown, MN to Roy and Irene (Geisler) Kratt. She grew up in Morristown and graduated from Morristown High School as salutatorian in 1954. For a short time, before she was married, she worked as a switchboard operator for the local telephone company, and worked at the canning factory. On June 23, 1956, she married Ralph Spitzack at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. In 1966, they moved their family to Wanamingo, where Thelma resided until she transitioned to Cannon River Senior Living. For many years Thelma worked as the secretary at Kenyon-Wanamingo Schools. During that time Thelma and Ralph operated the Hader Auction Barn. Thelma and Ralph also worked as custodians at Security State Bank in Wanamingo for many years. After retirement, Thelma worked at the Dairy Queen in Zumbrota where she served her favorite treat – ice cream.

Thelma was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Wanamingo participating in various committees. She enjoyed baking, especially her famous “grandma’s buns”, decorating and making Christmas time very festive. Thelma also was an Avon Sales representative. Most of all she looked forward to attending her grandchildren’s sporting and school events and you would also find her attending the basketball games and keeping the scorebook.

Thelma is survived by her four children, Brad (Michelle) Spitzack of West Concord, Brenda (Scott) Jackson of Cannon Falls, Bruce Spitzack of Maiden Rock, WI and Barbie (Tim) Kalien of Eau Claire, WI; grandchildren, Joshua (Missy) Spitzack of Northfield, Hannah (Andrew) Weiers of Shakopee, Logan (Tracy) Spitzack of St. Michael, Tatam (Michael) Ayres, Korie (Matt Benson) Jackson of Cannon Falls, and Tanner (Lauren) Jackson of Hastings, Stephanie (Kevin) Taylor of Chippewa Falls, WI, Dustin Kalien of Eau Claire, Tyson (Morgan Schmitt) Kalien of Chippewa Falls, Nathan (Amelia) Kalien of Plover, WI and Malia Kalien of Eau Claire; great grandchildren, Linden, Cooper, and Grady Spitzack, Parker, Sawyer and Mayson Weiers, Teegan and Brinley Spitzack, Brekkyn, Lakynn, Jackson and Kamden Ayres, Haydn and Leighton Benson and Lydia, Etta and Cole Taylor; siblings, Fritz (Dell) Kratt, Donna Dokken, Lenora Kuball, Chuck (Trish) Kratt, Ken (Joan) Kratt, Becky (Dennis) Hager, Cliff (Molly) Kratt, and Mike (Darlene) Kratt; brother-in-law, Dave (Sharon Homeier) Kolsrud along with many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph in 2015, brother, Allen Kratt; brothers-in-law, Willard Kuball, Neil Hager and Truman Dokken; parents-in-law, Paul and Helen Spitzack, sisters-in-law, Marion (Harvey) Gieseke, Dorothy (Del) Butterfield and Lois Kolsrud and brother-in-law, Harlan (Darlene) Spitzack.

Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Wanamingo with Reverend David Sorenson officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials can be directed to Brighten Hospice. Thelma’s family would like to thank the care givers at Cannon Rivers Senior Living. Arrangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota.