Wayne R. Thede

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, June 13, 1929
Date of Death:
Monday, August 7, 2017
Age:
88 years old

Visitation

Date: Tuesday August 15, 2017
Time: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]

Memorial Service

Date: Wednesday August 16, 2017
Time: 11:00 am

Location: Autumn Ridge Timothy Chapel [ view map ]

Burial

Location: Oakwood Cemetery

Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, June 13, 1929
Date of Death:
Monday, August 7, 2017
Age:
88 years old
Macken Funeral Home Memorial Photo
Date of Birth:
Thursday, June 13, 1929
Date of Death:
Monday, August 7, 2017
Age:
88 years old

Wayne R. Thede

Wayne Rudolph Thede of Rochester, MN, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2017 at the Homestead of Rochester.

Wayne was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota on June 13, 1929 to Gerhardt (George) and Thelma (Hawkins) Thede. He lived on the family farms in Hollandale and Albert Lea, Minnesota. He had two sisters, Lorraine and Lorna. Wayne enjoyed farm life, participated in 4-H competitions, and while attending Albert Lea High School was involved in football, wrestling, baseball, and talent shows. After graduating high school in 1947, Wayne studied veterinary medicine, played football, and wrestled at the University of Minnesota. After transferring to Mankato State Teacher’s College (Minnesota State University), Wayne was instrumental in starting their first wrestling team and helping them compete in the National Wrestling Championships. He graduated with a Business degree in 1952.

While attending college, he met Beverly Norby from Austin, MN. Just after their April 18, 1953 wedding, Wayne got permission for Bev to join him on his one-year Army deployment to Naples, Italy. After serving his nation, Wayne accepted a sales management position with Standard Oil Company. Together they had two daughters, Kathy and Karen, born in Pipestone, MN and son, Scott, born in Minneapolis. The family moved to Rochester and in 1965 Wayne started a Bridgeman’s Ice Cream restaurant franchise. Wayne added commissary, vending, and catering divisions and eventually purchased the entire Bridgeman’s company. In the early 1970’s, Wayne established Green Meadows Arabian Horse Farm. After 25 years, he sold Bridgeman’s Ice Cream and began working for Sun Control of MN where he worked until the age of 80.

Wayne was a long-time member of the Rochester Exchange Club, Elder of Meadow Park Church of Christ, Chairman and Board member of Minnesota Bible College, involved in the MN Arabian Horse Fall Festival and Minnesota Breeder’s Association, and member and President of the National Ice Cream Retailer’s Association. Wayne and Bev eventually became members of Autumn Ridge Church.

Wayne is survived by this wife, Beverly; two daughters, Kathy Robinson (Victor), Karen Thede; and one grandson, Thane Robinson. He has one remaining sister, Lorna Powers (Donald); and eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lorraine Peterson (Iowa); a nephew, Lowell Peterson (California); and his precious son, Scott.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at the Timothy Chapel, Autumn Ridge Church (3611 Salem Rd SW, Rochester, MN 55902) with Rev. Woody Roland officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. The visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.

Memorials are preferred to Alzheimer’s Association or Next Chapter Ministries (an Autumn Ridge Ministry).

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.

Condolences

The family of Wayne R. Thede has received the following condolences.

Hello Karen, 


I am sorry for your loss and sad to miss you at the JM reunion earlier this month.    Seems like it'd have been a comfort for your Dad to be  at Homestead.  That had to be pretty close to location of his horse barn!   My parents just moved into Brookemoor 3 weeks ago,  so I'm getting out there regularly.     I hope you, Kathy and your mother are doing OK...  


Val and I went to the reunion together.  It was crowded  & good to see some people - though embarrassing to have  forgotten so many names and faces.   Val is coming back  a few times/year to see her mom (still in the same Country Club Manor house!).     I don't know where you live, but perhaps  we can get together when you and she are around..

In the meantime,  I'm sending you a virtual hug, Karen.    Be well,  and take care..     

Kathy and Karen and Mrs. Thede, I was so sorry to read about Mr. Thede's death.  No matter the age or the circumstance the loss of a father and spouse is so difficult.  I am thinking about you.


Peggy Anderhom

R.I.P.  Wayne,


You had a profound influence in my life which I shall never forget.  The Bridgeman Years were most educational and fun years of my life.


Much I didn't know about you, wished I had.  You were a very leader, a giant amidst the business world and the community. You will be


missed by many.  Most Sincerely, Thomas L. Sawyer  Warmest Blessings to Bev, Kathy and Karen, God Be with you all.

Out thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We have enjoyed our time visiting and getting to know his family. He will be missed. God bless with love from Jay and Rhonda.