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Thiesen, Walter (1920-2013)
Mennonite World Review obituary: 2013 Sep 30 p. 15
Birth date: 1920 Mar 5
text of obituary:
Walter Thiesen
Walter Thiesen, 93, of North Newton, Kan., died Sept. 8, 2013, at Kidron Bethel. He was born March 5, 1920, to David H. Thiesen and Sarah Goertzen Thiesen in West Branch Township, Marion County. He had an older brother Adolf and a younger brother Henry.
He graduated from Goessel High School in 1940 and went one semester to Empora State Normal School. He served in Civilian Public Service during World War II, first at Henry, Ill., with soil conservation work, then North Fork, Calif., with forest fire fighting, and last at Lincoln, Neb., with soil conservation again.
On May 23, 1946, he married Anna Kroeker at First Mennonite Church in Newton. After their marriage they spent a short time working as farm assistants for Jacob A. Schowalter. He also worked with his brother-in-law, Jake Kroeker, in the Kroeker Sheet Metal business. Most of his working life was for Bethel Deaconess Hospital and Home for Aged. For many years he was the supervisor of maintenance and physical plant. At home he enjoyed working with tools, building and repairing things.
Son John was born on Dec. 27, 1959, a major milestone after years of he and Anna giving attention to their nieces and nephews.
Family vacations were a highlight. Often these were to visit relatives in Canada or California. The most memorable was a 1978 trip to Europe to visit Anna's relatives.
He retired from the hospital in 1988. Anna had retired in 1983. They continued to travel and also do some volunteer work, especially with the Bethel College Women's Association. Anna moved to Schowalter Villa in 2003. He moved into Kidron Bethel in 2010.
Survivors include a son, John Thiesen and his wife Barbara, and a grandson, Andrew.
Newton Kansan obituary: 2013 Sep 11 p. B6
text of obituary:
WALTER THIESEN 1920-2013
Walter Thiesen, 93, died Sunday, September 8, 2013, at Kidron Bethel in North Newton, Kansas.
He was born March 5, 1920, in Marion County, Kansas, to David and Sarah (Goertzen) Thiesen. He was married to Anna Kroeker on May 23, 1946, and she preceded him in death on November 6, 2003.
Walter was retired from maintenance at the former Bethel Hospital in Newton, Kansas.
He is survived by son: John and his wife Barbara Thiesen of Newton, Kansas; grandson: Andrew Thiesen of Newton, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and two brothers: Adolf and Henry Thiesen.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a. m. Saturday, September 14, 2013, at First Mennonite Church in Newton, Kansas, with Pastors Anita Kehr and Kay Schroeder presiding. Visitation will be 5 to 9 p. m. Friday evening with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p. m. at Petersen Funeral Home. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Newton, Kansas.
Memorials are suggested to: Bethel College or Kidron Bethel, in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
Wichita Eagle obituary: 2013 Sep 11 p. 2B
text of obituary:
NORTH NEWTON - Thiesen, Walter, 93, died Sept. 8, 2013. Visitation with family 6:30 to 8 p. m. Friday, Petersen Funeral Home; service 10 a. m. Saturday, First Mennonite Church. Survivors: son, John Thiesen and wife Barbara; grandson, Andrew Thiesen all of Newton.