Richard L. "Dick" Thieben

April 9, 1938 - Nov. 26, 2017

McCOOK, Neb. — Petty Officer First Class Richard “Dick” Lee Thieben, age 79, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Nov. 26, 2017, at Bryan Medical Center surrounded by his family.

He was born on April 9, 1938, in Oxford, Neb., to Arcle Raymond “Tobe” and Evelyn L. (Coady) Thieben.   He graduated from McCook High School with the class of 1957.  Shortly after graduation, Dick enlisted in the United States Navy on May 24, 1957, and served during the Korean War as an aviation electrician on nine different fleets. While active duty in the Navy, he had various assignments including Germany, Italy, Nebraska, Rhode Island, Spain, Texas, and Virginia. While serving, he received recognition for his outstanding performance of duty during the special operations supporting the Costa Rica Meeting. His military awards include Good Conduct Medal (with four oak leaf clovers) and National Defense Service Metal. God, family honor, and country were his guiding principles, leading him to serve his country for approximately 20 years until retiring on July 10, 1976.

He married his sweetheart, Carla Louellen Randolph, on Dec. 20, 1960, in Denver, Colo. They had four children, Evelyn, Richard, Fern, and Carla. After Dick’s military service time, the couple moved back to Oxford and eventually to McCook. After Dick retired from the Navy, he worked as a custodian for the YMCA and was a softball referee/bookkeeper at the Jaycee Complex. He was an avid fan of all sports, including the McCook Bison, McCook College Indians, Nebraska Cornhuskers and San Antonio Spurs. When he was not at a ballgame, he enjoyed simple pleasures of life such as hunting, fishing, camping and spending time with his family.

Dick had a strong faith that led him to understand that “those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength… they will soar on wings like eagles.” He had the kindest heart, he devoted his life to helping others when they were in need and his memory will continue to remind us all of what a wonderful person can be. He loved to support others within the community and was an active member of the McCook Eagle’s, Elk’s, American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Arcle and Evelyn Thieben; brothers, Roland James “Bill” Thieben and Charles Thieben; son-in-law, Brian Glasgow; daughter-in-law, Barbara Thieben; and nephew Tracy (Toby).

He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Carla Thieben of McCook; his son, Richard Thieben of North Platte; daughters, Evelyn Baumann (Earl) of McCook, Fern Glasgow of Cibolo, Texas and Carla Kychik (Kyle) of Albuquerque, N.M.; six grandchildren, Arnold Baumann (Amy), Nathan Baumann (Mona King), Chelsea Glasgow, Kaeleigh Kychik, Cassidy Thieben, and Johnathan Thieben; seven great-grandchildren, Braxton Baumann, Jersey Baumann, Titan Baumann, Blake Myers, Alexis Wayman, Jadyn Wayman and Piper Wayman; sisters in-law, Cheri Thieben and Linda Nothnagel (Bill); five nieces and nephews, Amanda, Hillary, Jamie, Jesse, and Micah.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in his name and addressed to: Carla Thieben, 105 East “I” Street, McCook, NE 69001.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2017, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel.  The family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. to greet family and friends.

Funeral services will be Thursday, Nov. 30, 2017, 2 p.m. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel with Mike Roth officiating. Burial will follow at the Edison Cemetery, Edison, Neb., with Military Honors.

Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel is entrusted with arrangements.

http://www.mccookgazette.com/story/2463988.html