Michael E. Thielbar

Michael E. Thielbar, 66 year old resident Richardson Corners, formerly of St. Croix Beach, MN passed away Monday, February 20, 2012 at the Mille Lacs Health System in Onamia, MN. Committal Services will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 29, 2012 at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery north of Little Falls with Rev. David Gouldin officiating. Military Honors will be conducted by Camp Ripley Honor Guard. Mike was born in Elgin, Illinois January 24th, 1946 to Dutch and Verna (Schmelzer) Thielbar. He moved with his family from St. Paul to own and operate a resort on Whitefish Lake just west of Mille Lacs. Mike spent several years selling minnows, guiding fishermen and cleaning their catch. After graduating from Onamia High School, he joined the U.S. Army. He proudly served his country and earned a Purple Heart while serving as an infantryman in Vietnam. Mike married the love of his life, Lynn Hoheisel, on July 3rd, 1971 in Pine Center, MN. The couple moved to St. Paul where Mike got a job at Ashland/Marathon Oil Refinery. They had two children and moved to St. Croix Beach in 1977. Mike worked for Ashland/Marathon for 33 years before retiring in 2003. Boy Scouts was a big part of Mike’s life for many years. As a Webelos leader he was able to pass along his love of the outdoors. In 2005, Mike and Lynn moved back to Hillman. Mike enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, campfires, feeding the birds, reading, and keeping up with current events. He especially enjoyed his morning coffee with his friends at Bear Trax. Through his care at the V.A., Mike was able to connect with fellow veterans and recognize the importance of his sacrifice and service to our country. He was very grateful for the friendships he had both here and in the St. Croix Valley. Mike will be remembered fondly by many who were never quite sure if he was telling the truth or spinning a tall tale. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 40 years, Lynn; son and daughter-in-law, Eric and Tara Thielbar; daughter, Amy Smith; sister, Margo Hunt of Pensacola, FL; Logan Baumann, grandson, Michael Smith, and grandbaby Thielbar due in March, who Mike so looked forward to meeting. Nothing brought him more joy than being a papa, and he spent every day building special memories with his best buddy Michael. He is also survived by many family and friends. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Dutch and Verna Thielbar; grandparents, Michael and Verna Schmelzer; Lynn’s parents, Richard and Yvonne Hoheisel; and Lynn’s grandma, Rosena Goergen.

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Michael E. Thielbar

January 24, 1946 - February 20, 2012