Mike C. Thiem

Michael Craig Thiem, age 72, of North Branch, Minnesota, died Thursday, June 8, 2023 while surrounded by his wife and family.  Mike was born July 29, 1950 in Rochester, Minnesota the son of Lester and Faye Thiem.  Following high school, he attended Winona State University; graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. 

He found his passion, working at Volunteers of America, Minnesota for over 30 years. He enjoyed his position as a special needs Program Director, providing housing for the adult special needs population.  It was at Volunteers of America, Minnesota where he met Bonnie Kratzke.  They got to know each other through many “discussions” in meetings and later discovered they weren’t so different after all.  After a year of friendship, they started dating, later got married and spent the past 20 years at each other’s sides.  Mike would bring Bonnie flowers every week for no reason other than to show her just how much she meant to him. 

Mike was cautious in choosing his friends, but once that seed was planted, you were his friend for life.  He would do anything for those he loved and cared for.  He was naturally quick-witted and funny.  Mike loved fishing, hunting, camping, riding motorcycle and cooking.  He was an avid reader and later discovered his love for writing and publishing science fiction. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dick Thiem.  He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him including his beloved wife, Bonnie; children, Les Thiem, Marina (Eric) Young, Michael (Karen) Siefert Jr., Matt (Amanda) Thiem, Kate (Jarod) Meisner; 13 grandchildren; brother, Jon Thiem; his shadow, Leia; other family and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Mike will be on July 29th from 2-4 p.m. at the Stacy Sports Bar, 6007 Stacy Trail, Stacy, Minnesota.  Appetizers, drinks, and stories will be provided.