Phyllis Thede facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Phyllis Thede
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| Member of the Iowa House of Representatives from the 93rd district |
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| In office January 14, 2013 – January 8, 2023 |
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| Succeeded by | Gary Mohr (redistricting) |
| Member of the Iowa House of Representatives from the 81st district |
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| In office January 12, 2009 – January 13, 2013 |
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| Preceded by | Jamie Van Fossen |
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| Born | February 23, 1954 Chicago, Illinois |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Dave Thede |
| Children | 3 daughters, including Robin |
| Alma mater | Westmar College (B.A.) |
Phyllis Thede, born on February 23, 1954, is an American former politician. She was a member of the Iowa House of Representatives, representing the 93rd District. She belongs to the Iowa Democratic Party. Before becoming a politician, she worked in community education and with unions. Phyllis Thede was first elected in 2009. She is married to Dave Thede and they have three daughters, including Robin Thede, who is a well-known comedic actress and writer.
As a representative in the Iowa House, Phyllis Thede worked on several important committees. These included the Ethics, Local Government, and Natural Resources committees. She also led the Environmental Protection committee as its ranking member. Additionally, she was part of the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee and the Human Rights Board.
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Growing Up and School
Phyllis Thede was born in 1954 in Chicago, Illinois. Her family was African-American and had moved to Chicago from the southern United States during the Great Migration. This was a time in the early 1900s when many African-American families moved north for better opportunities.
Later, her family moved to Creston, Iowa. Her father worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad there. The railroad had a big center in Creston with machine shops.
Education Journey
Phyllis went to local schools in Creston. She started her college education at Southwestern Community College. There, she met Dave Thede. They got married in 1974. Dave's family had German-American ancestors who came to the U.S. in the 1840s.
After Southwestern, Phyllis and Dave moved to Le Mars, Iowa. They both continued their studies at Westmar College.
Work and Family Life
In 1976, Dave finished college and began teaching. Phyllis also started working in local schools. They had three daughters. Their oldest daughter, Robin Thede, was born in Spencer. Their two younger daughters were born in Davenport, Iowa. The family lived in Davenport from 1980 to 2004.
Today, Phyllis and Dave live in Bettendorf. They are proud grandparents to several grandchildren.
Working in Schools and Unions
Phyllis Thede held many different administrative jobs in schools. She also became very active in the school union. Unions are groups that help workers with their rights and working conditions. She helped to discuss and agree on contracts for school employees. She also advised people on their concerns or problems at work.
Becoming a Representative
Phyllis Thede decided to run for a seat in the Iowa House of Representatives. She was first elected in 2008 to represent District 81. She won her election as a member of the Iowa Democratic Party.
She was re-elected in 2010 for the same district. Later, due to changes in district boundaries, she represented the 93rd District. She continued to serve the people of Iowa until January 2023.
