Robert George Thiry

Robert George Thiry was born February 9, 1925.  He was the third child out of nine born to Lydia and Leo Thiry. He grew up on the family farm south of Pine City. In 1945 Bob entered the Navy and was stationed at Sampson Naval Base in New York.  It was there that Bob met the love of his life, Ruth Aurelia Felker. They were married on November 28, 1946. They built their life together in Pine City, MN and raised five sons: Michael, David, Robbie, John and Christopher (Tiff).

Bob was a keen business man and entrepreneur.  He opened the Flower Box in 1949. In 1955, Bob added photography services, and the business continued to grow. Bob also saw the need to start a bus route for the kids on Woodpecker Ridge and became a favorite bus driver to so many over the course of his career.  His creative flare and love of the outdoors inspired him in many landscaping projects throughout the years as well.

Bob was a devout Catholic; a man of great faith! He faithfully cared for and loved his wife of 60+ years until she lost her battle with Alzheimer’s ten years ago. He enjoyed going to daily mass and regularly took communion to those unable to attend church. He often visited the nursing home and entertained the residents by playing old favorites on the piano by ear. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus.

Bob was a great storyteller often sharing some pretty outrageous stories with enthusiasm, usually related to one of his favorite pasttimes be it hunting, fishing, or golfing.  He was a laugh out loud, slap you on the back, “Oh My Achin Head” kinda guy. And when Bob gave you a hug, you knew you were hugged! He lived life to the fullest and was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was a loving husband, dad, grandpa, mentor, friend and more…so much more!

How do you describe a man like Bob Thiry? It seems fitting to share some of the words that have been shared recently by family and friends: sincere gentleman, witty, Grandpa, one-of-a-kind and full of love, loving and caring, infectious smile and laugh, loving jabs, interested and interesting, all around good man, a gift, legacy of smiles and attitude, sweetest man, kind words, hugs, laughter, fine man, golf partner, storyteller, likeable, kind.

About eleven years ago, Bob suffered a stroke right around the time that he was caring for his “Sweetheart” Ruth. The stroke did not affect him physically, but it did take something from him that changed his life in a drastic way. It took away his ability to speak. The right words would not come and the ones that did made little sense to anyone unless you knew him well. This incredible challenge could have broken him, but with the help of family, friends, and a loving community that fortunately knew him well, he persevered and managed to keep his sense of humor through it all. “That’s the way it is” and “What are you gonna do” were resounding phrases of wisdom that made it through the rain.

Bob, you were admired, loved, and treasured! You will be missed but you will live on in the hearts of all those you touched. You were a man of virtue and have left a lasting legacy of love to your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  Thank you for that!

So raise your glass (preferably a Brandy) “so forth and so on,” think of Bob & Ruth dancing together once again and remember these words…..Skol Pa Fiske!

Bob is survived by his five sons: Michael Thiry of Boise Idaho, David (Ann) Thiry of Livingston, Montana, Robbie Thiry of Lakeville, John (Pam) Thiry of Boise, Idaho, and Christopher "Tiff" (Kathy) Thiry of Pine City; 13 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; brothers Harold (Ginny) Thiry of Pine City, Allen (Sue) Thiry of Grand Rapids; sisters-in-law Sonja Thiry of Cambridge, Janet Thiry of Hayward, Wisconsin; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his wife Ruth Thiry; parents Leo and Lydia (Eng) Thiry; grandson Luke Thiry; sisters Eleanor (Basil) Summers, Bernice (Zika) Simich, Alyce Jean (John) Huber; brothers Leo Thiry, Richard Thiry, and Gerald Thiry; and sister-in-law Karen Thiry.

Monsignor Aleksander Suchan celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial for Bob on Friday, March 2, 2018 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.  Robbie Thiry, Kathryn Olson, Kevin & Joanne Cahill provided music.  Casket Bearers were Michael Thiry, David Thiry, Robbie Thiry, John Thiry, Christopher Thiry, and Jeremy Thiry. Heath-Perkins American Legion Post # 51, Novak-Milliren VFW Post # 4258, and the US Navy provided military funeral honors. Interment was is Calvary Cemetery in Pine City.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to:  Funeral and Cremation Service of Pine City, Swanson Chapel
FuneralAndCremationService.com