Richard Thieme

Richard G. Thieme, 93, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 15, 2017. He was born to Ervin H. and Ida (Bogen) Thieme in Sheboygan on January 11, 1924. He attended public schools and graduated from Central High in 1942, and subsequently was accepted as an aviation cadet in the United States Army Air Corps, which later became the U.S. Air Force. He served as a fighter pilot in the air war over Germany and flew 70 combat missions in a P-51 Mustang, which he named "Boomerang" because a boomerang always comes back. Among his decorations were the Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Europe-African Medal with 3 battle stars, and the Presidential Unit citation. After the war he remained in the reserve forces, where he served until 1968, when he retired as Lieutenant Colonel. He had a commercial pilot's license.

On September 10, 1948, he married the love of his life, Emma Hermann, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sheboygan. They lived happily ever after for 68 years. He was employed at the Sheboygan Glass Company, serving the last 20 years as president and retiring in 1989. He also served on various offices and committees as a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, as well as on the Board of Directors of the Sheboygan Chamber of Commerce and Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center. He was active in various state construction safety committees and was Treasurer of the 339th Fighter Group Association and a member of VFW National Post 1500.

He was a highly skilled builder who designed and constructed his family's first home, a summer cottage on Legend Lake in Menominee County, and major renovation projects on his children's houses. He also enjoyed fishing and making cabinetry and fine furniture for family and friends. He was modest, fearless, and stoic, a loving husband and father, and a generous provider.

He is survived by his dear wife Emma (he called her "Kiddo"), daughter Jeanne of Madison, and sons Thomas "Tom" (Candy) of East Troy, WI, Theodore "Ted" of Sheboygan, and Rev. John "Jack" (Judy) of Longmont, CO, as well as grandson Geoffrey (Stacey) of Milwaukee, their children Kailey and Kyle, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Helen Hermann, his brother, Roger, and his grandson Reed Thieme.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 19, 2017 at 2:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church (824 Wisconsin Ave., Sheboygan) with Rev. Timothy Mech officiating. Friends may call on Tuesday, April 18, at Ballhorn Chapels (1201 N. 8th Street, Sheboygan) from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and again on Wednesday, at the church, from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service. Interment will be at Lutheran Cemetery. Please visit www.ballhornchapels.com to sign the guestbook.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church or to a charity of the donor's choice.

The family is grateful for the many kindnesses provided by staff at Embrace Care Management, especially Linda Ribich.

A guardian angel joined him during World War II and remained with him until his death.