Thelma H. Menzel

Thelma H. Menzel, age 98, of Marshalltown, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026 at the Bishop Drumm Retirement Center in Johnston, IA.

Per Thelma and her family’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 from 11:00 A.M until 1:00 P.M. at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home of Marshalltown. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for a later designation. For additional information or to send a condolence to the family, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.

Thelma Helen Menzel, born April 16, 1928, in Fort Yates, North Dakota, was the beloved daughter of John Wesley and Floy Edith (Paine) Westbrook. On October 28, 2011, she married Arnold “Pete” Menzel, and together they shared a joyful and fulfilling life. Throughout her career, Thelma worked in the janitorial department for Northwestern Bell, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic. Outside of work, she found joy in simple pleasures—playing cards at the Legion of the Guardsman, enjoying solitaire on her computer, and tending to her garden. Above all, Thelma cherished time spent with her family, who were the heart of her life.

She is survived by her five children: Robert (Isis) Bunting Jr. of Titusville, FL., Jon (Carol) Bunting of Melbourne, IA., Shelia Kruckenberg of Johnston, IA., Roger (JoAnn) Bunting of Marshalltown, and Patches Harris of Marshalltown, IA.; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 9 great great-grandchildren plus 1 on the way; and her brother Jim (Edith) Fischer of Bismarck, N.D.

She is preceded in death by her parents: John Wesley and Floy; her three husbands: Robert Bunting Sr., Harry Foran, and Pete Menzel; her two brothers: Robert Westbrook and Oscar Bader; her three sisters: Elva Shafer, Velma Quenzer, and Celia Schutte.