Elmer John Thies, 66, rural Avoca, died Monday at an Omaha hospital following an eight week illness. Born at Minden, he had farmed in the Minden and Avoca areas all his life.

Survivors include his widow, Gertrude; son Gene, Minneapolis, MN; two daughters, Mrs. Gayle Prokupek, Plattsmouth, NE, and Mrs. Joan Brown, Minneapolis; two brothers, Wilber Thies of Horseshoe Bend, Ark, and John Thies of Council bluffs; two sisters, Mrs. Dorothy Perkins and Mrs. Arlene Jensen both of Denver; and four grandchildren.