Robert 'Bob' S. Thiede

Robert S. ‘Bob’ Thiede, 84, passed away Wednesday morning, August 18, 2021, the day after celebrating his 58th wedding anniversary with his devoted wife, Ellen. He was born in Two Rivers on October 13, 1936, son of the late Chester and Edna (Taddy) Thiede. Bob was a graduate of Two Rivers Washington High School with the class of 1955.  Bob was an avid athlete, as quarterback of the football team, a member of the diving team, and a member of the track team (taking third at State in the one mile run as a junior).  He also boxed, pole vaulted, and swam. He was the quarterback for the Manitowoc County Chiefs, a local semi-pro team, before joining the US Navy in 1956.  For years, he told stories about his naval adventures in Italy and Greece.  Bob attended the University of Wisconsin, earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He met his lifetime companion, Ellen Peterson, at Van’s Bar in Manitowoc during Christmas break in 1960.  They were married on August 17, 1963 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Manitowoc. Bob was employed at Wisconsin Public Service as an Electrical Engineer until his retirement in 1998.  He especially enjoyed training the linemen.  Many of the linemen shared fun stories at Bob’s retirement party. 

Bob and Ellen enjoyed travelling, with trips to Germany, England, Hawaii, California, New York State, Florida, New Orleans, and the Mediterranean.  They enjoyed a Caribbean cruise, an Alaskan cruise, and an Australian and New Zealand cruise.

Bob was a life member for over 50 years and former president of the Green Bay Monday Noon Optimists Club.  For many years he coordinated the annual youth track meet.  In later years, he was known as the “man with the cigar who runs the softball throw”.  As a fundraiser for the Optimists, he sold Packer programs for decades (through the drought of the 1970’s and 1980’s and into the glory years of the nineties). Bob was a member of St. Agnes Parish for over 50 years. 

Bob also enjoyed coaching his daughter’s soccer team, gardening, cross country skiing, cheering for the Packers and Badgers, slalom waterskiing with his cigar (until his mid-50’s), deer hunting with his brothers, fishing on the North Twin in Phelps, and enjoying a good Manhattan at the end of the day!

Bob is survived by his wife, Ellen Thiede, Green Bay; one son, James (Joan) Thiede, North Liberty IA; two daughters, Suellen (Bruce) Cantrall and Jill Thiede, both of Green Bay; a sister-in-law, Mary (Don) Maurer and their children, Neil (Starla) Maurer and Brian Maurer; five grandchildren, Jamie Griffin, John Thiede, Gabrielle Cantrall, Robert Clark Cantrall, and Marcus Cantrall; two brothers, John Thiede and Jerry (Kay) Thiede; one sister, Kathleen (Ken Reich) Kershek; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Donald (Donna) Thiede, Chester (Joan) Thiede and Thomas Thiede; two sisters, Eunice (Peter) LeClair and Margaret (Louie) LeClair; Clark Maurer, son of Mary and Don; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Donna Thiede, Joan Thiede, Jenny Thiede and Rosie Thiede, Tom Peterson, James Peterson, Dorrie (Bud) Beyer, Edward (Karen) Peterson and Joan Peterson.

Cremation has occurred and a visitation will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1484 9th St. from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass at 11:00 AM. Officiating at the Mass of Christian Burial will be Rev. Patrick Beno with entombment at Allouez Mausoleum on Monday, August 30, 2021. Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos may be shared with Bob’s family at www.lyndahl.com. 

The family would like to thank all the friends and family that helped Bob and them in the past number of years as Bob was diagnosed with dementia.  They would also like to thank Unity Hospice, St. Mary’s 5th floor staff, and Father Patrick Beno for their kindness in Bob’s last days.  A scholarship has been set up in Bob’s honor at the NWTC Foundation to support students in the Utilities Electrical Engineering program. 

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