Raymond Peter Thein

Raymond Thein 1923-2016 Loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, Brother, Uncle and Friend Ray was the youngest of ten children born on February 7, 1923 in Sherwood, North Dakota. He was the son of Louise (née St. Sauver) and John Thein. He attended school at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic School and graduated from White Bear Lake High School. During a double date in high school, he met the love of his life, Doris Maynard. The two were married on September 23, 1944 at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church. Ray proudly served in the United States Army from Mar, 1943 to Sept, 1945 in the European Theater. He continued his service as post commander of the White Bear Lake VFW 1782 and in the honor guard. He donated 10+ gallons of blood to the VA hospital. Ray spent the majority of his career working for Getty Oil Skelgas Division. Ray was an avid outdoorsman. He hunted ducks, pheasants and deer with son, family members and faithful hunting dog, Copper. He fished every summer - Canada, Eagle, Knife, Shamineau, White Bear, Clearwater and many more with good friend Bob and nephew Bill and other family members. When the grandkids were old enough, he would take them out fishing and tell them all kinds of stories. Ray enjoyed sports and going to his grandkids games and hearing about their achievements. Ray was a handyman and fixer upper. He was very clever with his wood working and was always fixing things or designing trinkets for people. Ray was quite the joke teller and he could make anyone laugh. He and Doris were card players and enjoyed 500 and bridge. He enjoyed all kinds of puzzles and card games on the computer. He is preceded in death by his nine siblings, his parents Louise and John Thein. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 72 years, Doris; his children David (Barbara), Diane (Stephen), and Cheryl (John); his eight grandchildren Jeffrey (Sveta), Daniel (Dhari), Douglas (Victoria), Joseph (Andrea), Sara (Mike), Eric (Tracey), Kyle (Colleen Ruane) and Bret; his five great-grandchildren Emerson, Alexandra, Bennett, Kira, Jay and one great-grandson on the way and many nieces, nephews and other family and friends. Ray was quiet and reserved yet was always a strong positive role model for his children and grandchildren. There will be a gathering from 1:00-4:00PM on Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at Mueller Memorial, 4738 Bald Eagle Ave., White Bear Lake, with a service and military honors at 3:00PM. A big thank you to The PIllars Hospice for their wonderful care and compassion to Ray and family.