Vernon W. Thede

Vernon W. Thede, age 81, of Chilton, died on May 26, 2022, at his home. He was born October 19, 1940, son of the late William and Emaline Thede. On May 6, 1972, he married Ruth Ann Coffeen, and they recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Vernon met Ruth at the Wolf Den in New Holstein when they were both there with there siblings. Vernon’s brother, Rolley, was playing wingman that day and asked Vern if he wanted to talk to that pretty girl across the bar. They started dating but Vernon had a hard time remembering if Ruth’s real name was Ruth Ann or Ann Ruth. When she cleared it up he asked if he had to say her full name and she graciously told him “Ruth” would be fine.  They were together for two years before Vern started to kind of mention marriage a little bit, but never actually asked. Ruth started dropping hints and finally asked if he wanted to go to a jewelry store “just to look.” They ended up buying matching rings and were married shortly after. 

Vernon worked 40 years at Tecumseh. After retiring, he was a greeter at Walmart for another 5 years. Vern preferred being outdoors. He loved to hunt, fish, go sturgeon spearing, and trap shooting. He was a big Packer fan. He had a good sense of humor and had lots of good stories. He enjoyed spending time with his family and State Street neighbors. He loved getting together with his family for some very competitive games of Sheepshead. 

Vernon is survived by his wife, Ruth Ann; his son: Eric (Michelle) Thede; children from previous marriage: Andrea (Randy) Stier and Dawn Thede; nine grandchildren: Megan, Makayla, Cassie, Chaney, Zachary (Lauren), Kaitlin, Mickie, Jerica (Robby), and Cory; five great-grandchildren; a daughter-in-law: Jenny Thede; siblings: Leona Reinemann, Edna (Terry) Ninnemann, LaVerne Ceqielnik, and Roland (Kitty) Thede; in-laws: Carolyn Coffeen, Ed (Roseanne) Coffeen, Arlene Coffeen, Mary DeSombre, Theresa (Kevin) Minske, and Joey (John) Meyer; and many nieces, nephews, other family, and friends.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents, William and Emaline; his sons: Tim, Michael, and Brian; a granddaughter: Trista; Ruth’s parents: Robert Coffeen and Clara (Keuler) Coffeen; and in-laws: Cliff Reinemann, John Ceqielnik, Alice (Elwood) Hintz, Laura (Jack) Bangert, and Earl DeSombre.

A funeral service will be held at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at Ebenezer United Church of Christ (44 W. Washington St.) in Chilton, with Pastor Michael Safford-Kennedy officiating. Friends may call from 1:30 pm until 3:45 pm at the church on the day of service. To see a livestream of the funeral service, watch a recording of it, view flowers given to the family, or watch a memorial video, please click HERE

The family extends a special thank you to Calumet County Hospice staff, volunteers, and chaplains for the exceptional care and spending time with Vernon, as well as to Meals on Wheels, and Dr. Benjamin Dellaria.

In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been established in the name of Vernon Thede.