In Memory of Grant Charles Thayer

Grant Charles Thayer, age 66, of Odebolt, Iowa passed away on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at the Horn Memorial Hospital of Ida Grove, Iowa.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, June 4, 2018 at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Odebolt, Iowa. Rev. David Viggers will officiate; with Committal Services following in the Odebolt Cemetery of Odebolt, Iowa. A Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Sunday, June 3, 2018 at the Christensen – Van Houten Funeral Home 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

Grant Charles Thayer, the son of LaDon and Elaine (Weitzel) Thayer, was born January 2, 1952, in Sac City, Iowa. He was baptized in his faith at Cook Lutheran Church and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church. Grant attended the Odebolt-Arthur Community Schools and graduated with the class of 1971. After high school, he attended Northwest Iowa Vocational School and became a Master Electrician.

On August 3, 1979, Grant married the love of his life, Irene E. Olson, in Odebolt, IA. The couple was blessed with two children Katie and Kristopher. They made their home on the farm in Odebolt. Family was of utmost importance to Grant. He attended many sporting events to watch Katie and Kris. He was starting on the next generation of athletes with the grandchildren and was so proud to watch them in all of their endeavors. Wrestling was by far his favorite sport, and Grant kept up on what former wrestlers were doing and who the up and coming wrestlers were.

Grant prided himself on his electrical work. He first began “S and T Electric”. Then took several years off to farm before starting “The Electric Company”. He had wonderful relationships with his suppliers and helped several young electricians get a start in the business. Even after retiring, Grant was always willing to help someone with an electrical question.

Grant loved visiting with people, be it a “new friend” on a motorcycle ride or an old acquaintance. He especially like talking and teasing the younger generation, passing on his words of wisdom.

Grant’s faith was influential in his everyday actions, spreading smiles and laughs were always guaranteed. He enjoyed weekly Bible studies before church and learned new things regarding the Small and Large Luther’s Catechism.

His two favorite summertime activities were motorcycle rides and checking crops. He knew the good Lord was in charge of the crops, but he had to check up on them daily! Grant’s love in the fall was the combine and he would spend months in there. All family members loved riding in the combine with him. 

Grant may have teased Mrs. Thayer about her IPERS, but she was the love of his life. He always supported her in all of her education activities. Since their retirement they enjoyed spending time in each other’s company, numerous motorcycle rides, ushering the grandkids and friends in the Gator and 4-wheeler, nightly spring/summer porch chats, and checking crops.

Left to cherish his memory include his loving wife Irene Thayer of Odebolt, IA; daughter Katie (Andrew) Parr of Omaha, NE; son Kristopher (Sarah) Thayer of Logan, IA; grandchildren Sydney and Drew Parr and Landon, Noah, and Caleb Thayer; his parents LaDon and Elaine Thayer of Odebolt, IA; brother Daniel (Daisy) Thayer of Odebolt, IA; sister Peggy (Ron) Hoffman of Omaha, NE; brothers-in-law Glenn (Carol) Olson of West Des Moines, IA, Richard (Sharon) Olson of Ames, IA; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. 

He was preceded in death by paternal grandparents DeLos and Olive Thayer; maternal grandparents Albert and Mae Weitzel; in-laws Merlin and Esther Olson.

Memorials in Grant’s name may be directed to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt, Orphan Grain Train or Mercy Meals of Siouxland.