William Thieman

W.L. (Vern) Thieman, 93, passed away on April 4, 2022, after a lengthy illness surrounded by his family and friends. Vern was born on February 7, 1929 in Craig, MO. His mom, stepdad and two sisters later moved to Ava, MO where they farmed, raised cattle and had a small dairy along with raising chickens and horses and grew a huge vegetable garden. Vern would proudly share stories of his childhood and the happy times associated with growing up in simpler but often hard times. Vern learned at a young age the importance and necessity of working hard; a trait he carried with him throughout his life. At 18, Vern decided to head west where his dad, stepmom, stepsisters and stepbrothers lived. Vern got a job at U.S. Rubber Company where he learned the tire industry. After a year in LA, he decided to move to Idaho to try his hand at farming with his uncle. During the time he worked in farming and raising cattle, he met Maudie Hasch, whom he later married and had a daughter, Donna. After a few years of seasonal farming and ranching, Vern decided he need a more consistent job and began a career in the tire business working for Stuart Morrison and OK Tire Shops where he became the manager of the store. In 1962, Maudie passed away, leaving Vern with a 9-year-old daughter to raise alone. However, in 1963, Vern met and married his lifelong best friend and partner, Betty White, with whom they welcomed two sons, Jere and Curt. Vern left the tire business after 20 years and opened his own Union 76 Gas and Service Station. After a few years, his station evolved into a wholesale auto parts route where he traveled throughout Idaho and Nevada. Vern never met a stranger and throughout his time in the tire business, his gas station and auto parts route, he developed many friendships he maintained his entire life. After retirement, Vern found great pleasure in meeting for breakfast or coffee with many of these friends while acquiring more friends along the way. His days were happily spent making phone calls to check on people, driving people to appointments and making sure he never missed sending a birthday card or singing Happy Birthday over the phone to someone. Vern is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Betty, sister Louise, daughter, Donna and husband Steve, son, Jere and wife Diane, son Curt and wife, Laura, their two “bonus” kids, Lonnie and Kevin, 8 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews. Celebration of life services will be at Rosenau Funeral Home on April 11, 2022 at 2:00 with interment immediately following at Sunset Memorial Park. There are no words to express the depth of gratitude and love we have for Dr. Kevin Owens and his care of Vern over the years. Dr. Owens has our deepest appreciation and respect for his care of Vern. The family wants to extend a very special thanks to Bethany and Samantha at Visions Hospice for their dedication and care to Vern during this time. Besides the loving care they provided him, Vern looked forward to seeing them just to visit, share a laugh and a story. Our heartfelt thanks.