1938
Richard
2020
Richard William Thimijan
October 30, 1938 — February 27, 2020
Richard William Thimijan, 81, of College Park, Maryland. formerly of Lake City, died Thursday, February 27, 2020 at the VA Hospital in St. Cloud, Minn. He was born October 30, 1938, at the same time as the debut broadcast of Orson Well's War of Worlds, in Lake City, Minnesota. Son of William and Leota (Prichard) Thimijan, he attended grade schools in Wabasha, Goodhue County and Sugar Loaf Valley until they consolidated to form Lake City Public Schools. Following high school, Richard served in the U. S. Army teaching radar repair. He then went on to earn his B.S. and M.S. in agricultural engineering from the University of Minnesota. He joined the USDA in 1966 and spent his career working on various projects involving the use of light to control insects, the effects of light on plant growth and measuring the spectral power distribution of plant life. After 23 years with USDA, he retired in 1989.
After his retirement he assisted teachers at Howard B. Owens Science Center and with the University of Maryland. He also assisted at the Beltville Agricultural Research Center downloading sunlight data. He was a popular teacher and he inspired "The Red Sock Club," a group of students who mirrored his signature red socks. He was also awarded a certificate of appreciation for his work with children at the Science Center.
He was an active WELS Lutheran, regardless of where he was living and taught Sunday school and bible study for more than 46 years. One of his students once remarked, "He listens to us." May we all listen and learn how much God loves us. He also sang in various choirs throughout his life, including a touring Army choir.
Apart from being impeccably dressed from head to toe, including those red socks, he loved to travel. He was game to go anywhere and everywhere. However, Richard was most at home when he was being a teacher. He was an endless fount of knowledge and he was always excited to share what he knew. He especially loved his work with children. He will be remembered for his great bear hugs that resulted in him lifting you off the floor and spinning you around, no matter how old or how big you got.
He is survived by his brother Ralph's wife Darlene (Steffenhagen) Odden of Frontenac, Minnesota; as well as many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Loyd and Lawrence Thimijan; and three sisters Frances Steffenhagen, Lucille Steffenhagen and Irene Dankers. Richard never married.
Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Friday, March 6, 2020 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in West Florence. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2020 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, Red Wing. Burial with his father and brother Lawrence at the church cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Red Cross or the veteran's organization of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com
602 Plum Street P.O. Box 111
Red Wing, MN, 55066
33739 W Florence Ave
Lake City, MN, 55041
33739 W Florence Ave
Lake City, MN, 55041
After his retirement he assisted teachers at Howard B. Owens Science Center and with the University of Maryland. He also assisted at the Beltville Agricultural Research Center downloading sunlight data. He was a popular teacher and he inspired "The Red Sock Club," a group of students who mirrored his signature red socks. He was also awarded a certificate of appreciation for his work with children at the Science Center.
He was an active WELS Lutheran, regardless of where he was living and taught Sunday school and bible study for more than 46 years. One of his students once remarked, "He listens to us." May we all listen and learn how much God loves us. He also sang in various choirs throughout his life, including a touring Army choir.
Apart from being impeccably dressed from head to toe, including those red socks, he loved to travel. He was game to go anywhere and everywhere. However, Richard was most at home when he was being a teacher. He was an endless fount of knowledge and he was always excited to share what he knew. He especially loved his work with children. He will be remembered for his great bear hugs that resulted in him lifting you off the floor and spinning you around, no matter how old or how big you got.
He is survived by his brother Ralph's wife Darlene (Steffenhagen) Odden of Frontenac, Minnesota; as well as many nieces, nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Loyd and Lawrence Thimijan; and three sisters Frances Steffenhagen, Lucille Steffenhagen and Irene Dankers. Richard never married.
Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Friday, March 6, 2020 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in West Florence. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Thursday, March 5, 2020 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel, Red Wing. Burial with his father and brother Lawrence at the church cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the Red Cross or the veteran's organization of the donor's choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com
Visitation
MAR 5. 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM (CST)
Bodelson Mahn Chapel - Mahn Family Funeral Home602 Plum Street P.O. Box 111
Red Wing, MN, 55066
Visitation
MAR 6. 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CST)
Immanuel Lutheran West Florence33739 W Florence Ave
Lake City, MN, 55041
Funeral Service
MAR 6. 11:00 AM (CST)
Immanuel Lutheran West Florence33739 W Florence Ave
Lake City, MN, 55041
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