Sylvan Herman Thiesse

Northview-North Mankato Mortuary 2060 Commerce Drive North Mankato, MN 56003 (507) 388-2288 Sylvan H. Thiesse, age 93, of North Mankato, died on Monday, April 27, 2015 in his home at Oak Terrace Assisted Living. His funeral service will be held on Friday, May 1 at 11:30 a.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, Mankato with Rev. Patrick Patterson officiating. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors will be at Woodland Hills Memorial Park with Northview-North Mankato Mortuary in charge of arrangements. Sylvan was born October 3, 1921 in Ceylon, MN to William and Amanda (Leiding) Thiesse. In 1939 he graduated from Ceylon High School. He then served in the United States Army Air Corp from 1942-1945. On August 18, 1946, Sylvan was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Rosalin Hagen. He graduated from Mankato State Teacher's College and then earned his MA in Education (Industrial Arts) from the University of Minnesota. Sylvan was proud to serve as school principal and H.S. teacher in Titonka, IA from 1950-1961. From Titonka, the family moved to Mankato, MN where Sylvan continued his teaching career with ISD 77 until retiring in 1984. For 44 years Sylvan was a devoted member of Christ the King Lutheran Church. He was passionate about helping others and participated in church and community service projects such as Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels. His enthusiasm for life spilled out in his positive humor, delight in children and caring kindness toward neighbors and friends. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, traveling to National Parks, but most of all, spending time with family. Sylvan is survived by his children, Julaine Thiesse of Fairmont, Steve Thiesse of Brookings, SD, and Kristen Thiesse Palm (Rick) and their son Karl Palm of Minneapolis; siblings, Arleen (Don) Preston, Marvin (Eileen) Thiesse, and Donald (Joanne) Thiesse; sister-in-law, Audrey Thiesse; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosalin and siblings, Walter, Vera, Clarence, Luella, Martha, and Elmer.