Thelma Irene Bang

Thelma Bang (92) of Rochester, Minnesota, went home to her heavenly Father on September 1, 2026, lovingly surrounded by her husband and family members.

Thelma Irene (Gangestad) Bang was born near Eagle Grove, IA on December 19, 1933 to Clarence and Tena (Johnson) Gangestad. She was baptised and confirmed at Holmes Lutheran Church, Holmes, IA. She graduated from Clarion High School in 1952 and attended Waldorf College in Forest City, IA for one year. She went on to obtain a 3-year Nursing diploma at Lutheran Deaconess Hospital in Minneapolis, MN graduating in 1956. After working one year at Deaconess Hospital she married Darwin Bang of Joice, IA in August 1957. To this union were born four children: Debra, Tami, Darcie, and Nathan.

Thelma and her husband resided in Cedar Falls, IA; Fenton, IA; Dakota, IL; Northfield, MN; and then in Rochester, MN since 1967. They had enjoyed living in the country for 51 years before moving back into Rochester.

Thelma felt blessed to be able to be at home while raising her children, then worked outside her home after the children were raised; Nursing in various capacities including Family Services, Samaritan Bethany Home Health, and Kahler Hotel Nursing. She was a volunteer member of St Mary's Auxilary, and also volunteered several years at Seasons Hospice. Thelma was a part of Rochester Christian Women's Club and served on the Board. She was a founding member of Gethsemane Lutheran Brethren Church (now True Life Church) for the past 58 years, and an active member in numerous capacities such as teaching Sunday School, hosting youth events, leading women's Bible studies ,and serving on various boards.

Hospitality has always been an important aspect in Thelma's life. She and her husband opened their home to countless visitors including missionaries, hospital patients and families, relatives, travelers, and even strangers. Thelma always had a hot meal, kringla, or a cold drink ready for anyone who stopped by.

Special things enjoyed in life included: God's Word, friends, children and grand-children, sewing, making kringla, picking strawberries, writing letters, birds, sunny days, gardening, flowers, and vacations. Spending time at the lake cabin with her children and grand-children became special memories that Thelma cherished.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Tena; siblings Norman Gangestad (infant), Charles Gangestad, Evelyn Lehman, Marilyn Bang, John Gangestad; daughter Tami Griggs; and granddaughter Hannah Bang (deceased at birth).

Left to cherish her memory include her husband Darwin Bang; their children & spouses: Debra (Scott) Anderson, Darcie (Armin) Christofferson, Nathan (Laura) Bang, Scott Griggs; Fourteen grandchildren: Chelsie (Jason) Hendrix, Mikayla (Tom) Warndahl, Jared (Jana) Anderson, Tonya Anderson, Lindsey (John) Lehto, Amanda (Evan) Erickson, Chad (Shelby) Griggs, Heidi Christofferson, Annie (Josiah) Militzer, Micah Christofferson, Titus (Elizabeth) Christofferson, Jeremiah (Rachel) Bang, Samuel Bang, Erica (Elijah) Jore; Nineteen great grandchildren; and many other extended family members and friends.

Thelma has been a part of God's Family since she was a child growing up in a Christian home and in a God-fearing Church. She accepted Jesus as her Savior at a young age and her faith was interwoven into all aspects of her life. She is now home with her Lord for all eternity.

A Celebration of Life service is planned for Friday, October 9, 11:00 am at True Life Church, (2204 22nd Street NW, Rochester, MN); Visitation at 10:00 am. Memorials may be given in memory of Thelma to Inspiration Point Christian Camp & Retreat Center, a cherished ministry she long supported.