Ronald "Ron" Thiem

Ronald Herbert Thiem, age 68, of Markesan, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024, at UW Health University Hospital in Madison.

 Ron was born on June 12, 1956, in Ripon, WI, son of Herbert and Arlene (Stobb) Thiem. He was a graduate of Markesan High School, class of 1974. On May 6, 1978, he married Teresa “Terry” Deaver in Ripon at Grace Lutheran Church. Ron and Terry had two children, Adam and Laura. Ron had an extended family in the Bucks Club with whom he enjoyed a lifetime of hunting and shenanigans. Ron joined the Markesan Fire Department in 1986, became Deputy Chief in 1995, and retired in 2023. Ron spent years working as a truck driver, at Pollesch Excavating, and at Del Monte before buying Rennert’s with Joel Strahota in 1996 and retiring in 2021. Ron was an active member of the Manchester Rod and Gun Club up to his death.

 Ron (aka RT, aka Dad, aka Grandpa) did everything in his life to the fullest. He was always there to help, to hug, and to laugh (really loud). If you walked into a place and wondered if he was there, all you had to do was stop and listen for his laugh. He loved God, America, hard work, and hard play. You only had to look a couple places if you wanted to find him: at home, up north, at the shop, or sitting on a stool. He would do anything he could to help a friend, but he took pride in helping his family, especially his grandkids. He made sure to tell people what he thought, particularly if he loved you or was proud of you. He didn’t have to say it though; if he felt it, you knew it. He had a great sense of right and wrong, of good and evil; if he felt strongly about something, he would listen to other viewpoints but rarely changed his mind. His tenacity after being diagnosed with cancer in 2017, gave us seven more precious years with him. During those seven years, he retired from work and the fire department, began working with Adam, and soaked in every second he had with his grandkids. He was looking forward to continuing the yearly tradition of hunting with his grandsons. 

 In the end, he did not go quietly to the grave but went down praying and fighting, declaring himself too stubborn to die because he had family to love and work to finish. To his children and grandchildren, he passed on his sense of humor, love of hunting, shooting pool, fixing broken things, shooting guns, a dislike of onions, and his independent spirit, all to varying degrees.

 Ron leaves behind a deeply loving family; his wife, Terry; son, Adam (Katie) Thiem and daughter, Laura (Aaron) Baggett; seven grandchildren, Wyatt, Aiken, Cordelia, Zoey, Shiloh, Millie, and Flynn; his mother, Arlene Thiem; sister, Renee (Brian) Korth; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

 He was preceded in death by his father, Herbert Thiem and brother, Mark Thiem. 

 Ron passed away on opening day of gun season. However, he would not want to interrupt anyone else’s hunt; therefore, family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation on December 7, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service beginning at 11:00 AM. Both events will take place at the Markesan Fire Department, 887 North Margaret Street, Markesan, WI. Many that knew and loved Ron will meet at the Hornet’s Nest after the service to continue reliving the good memories. 

 Ron will forever be remembered for his unwavering dedication, love of family, and the joy he brought into the lives of those who knew him.