Richard K. Thein

Richard "Rich" Karl Thein, 88, of Garnavillo, died Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2019, at the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital.

Graveside services were Monday, Dec. 16, at the Garnavillo Community Cemetery conducted by Rev. Gary Hatcher. A celebration of life followed at the fellowship hall of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Garnavillo.

Arrangements were handled by Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home, Garnavillo.

Richard was born on July 1, 1931, in Garnavillo, the son of Arthur and Irene (Tuecke) Thein.

Richard was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Garnavillo in 1945. He graduated from the Garnavillo High School with the class of 1948. On Jan. 18, 1949, Richard married Fay L. Decker in Monona. Together they were blessed with six children – Shirley, Ronald, Sandy, Mick, Dale and Troy.

Richard worked most of his life as a carpenter in the construction industry. He was employed for many years by “Peterson Construction of Garnavillo” and later owned his own business, “Thein Construction.” Besides carpenter work, Rich enjoyed fishing trips up north, visits with family, and was an avid Chicago Cubs fan. 

Richard is survived by his five children, Ron (Jane) Thein, Sandy (Mike) Dingbaum, Mick (Peg) Thein, Dale Thein, and Troy (Muff) Thein; 16 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother, Leonard (Shirley) Thein and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Richard is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Fay in 2013; daughter and son-in-law, Shirley (Brian) Buhrow; and two brothers, Melvin and Forrest Thein.