Fourth Wall Films' Kelly & Tammy Rundle visit Thelma Nopoulos a final time at the Wilton Candy Kitchen in 2016.
We are deeply saddened by the news of Thelma Nopoulos' passing on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at the Wilton Retirement Community.
For decades, Thelma and her husband George were the owners of the Wilton Candy Kitchen located in Wilton, Iowa off of Iowa's Historic Route 6. The beloved couple and their story was featured in the Emmy-nominated and award-winning documentary River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6, and their romance, quick-witted barbs, and devotion to the history and business of 'the world's oldest soda fountain' captured the hearts of viewers.
George worked for nearly all of his life at the Candy Kitchen, and his death at age 95 in 2015 prompted Thelma's retirement. Current owner Lynn Ochiltree keeps the Wilton Candy Kitchen tradition thriving, feeding Historic U.S. Route 6 travelers and visitors from all over the country.
George and Thelma Nopoulos, Dave Darby (former Executive Director of Iowa's Historic Route 6 Tourist Association), Tammy and Kelly Rundle (Fourth Wall Films) at the Wilton Candy Kitchen in 2011.
We first met George and Thelma in 2011 when introduced by Dave Darby, retired Executive Director of Iowa's Historic Route 6 Tourist Association. One of the wonderful benefits of producing historical documentaries is that you learn about interesting and inspiring stories, and you meet amazing people like George and Thelma Nopoulos.
Even now, when we stop by the Wilton Candy Kitchen, we can faintly hear George whistling "Frankie and Johnny" as he prepares the sweetest of treats, and see Thelma buzzing around, ringing up orders, cutting up bananas, and sprinkling the finishing touches on a hot fudge sundae.
George and Thelma Nopoulos on the big screen in River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6.
Thelma and George live on in that wondrous, magical place of yesteryear, and in our memories and hearts always.
"Frankie and Johnny were sweethearts oh Lordy how they did love; Swore to be true to each other true as the stars above..."
More information about Thelma's funeral will be shared HERE.
A special screening of River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 was presented in Wilton, Iowa on January 22, 2017 to a capacity crowd. The event was a tribute to Thelma & George Nopoulos and the historic Wilton Candy Kitchen.
The Wilton Candy Kitchen is located at 310 Cedar Street, Wilton, Iowa and is open 10:00AM-7:00PM Monday-Sunday. Visit https://www.wiltoncandykitchen.com/ for more information. The award-winning documentary River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6, featuring George & Thelma Nopoulos and the historic Wilton Candy Kitchen, is available for purchase at the Wilton Candy Kitchen.
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