Ross Lee Thiemann

Ross Lee Thiemann of Pawnee City, Nebraska, passed away at the age of 95, on January 20, 2021, at Sabetha Community Hospital, Sabetha KS.  A lifelong resident of Pawnee City, NE, he was a loving husband and father, successful businessman, farmer and a devout Christian.

Ross was born December 26, 1925 to Ernest L. and Myrtle D. (Neal) Thiemann in Pawnee City and was raised on their family farm southeast of Pawnee City along with seven sisters and five brothers.  Ross was the last surviving sibling of the immediate Thiemann family and was proud to be the connection to the history and stories at the annual Thiemann Family Reunion.  If you needed to know a family member’s name or the date of a memorable event, Ross knew it all.

In February 1945, Ross joined the U.S. Navy during World War II and often shared that his military experience helped shape him for the rest of his life.  He was proud to serve his country and his service afforded him the opportunity to see the world aboard the USS La Porte.  Ross was discharged from the Navy in July 1946 and returned to Pawnee City.

Upon his return home from military service, Ross helped on his brother Fred’s farm in Sabetha, KS and then began working as a carpenter with another brother, Edgar, back in Pawnee City.  His carpentry and construction talent soon led Ross to start his own business, which later became known as Thiemann Paint & Floor Covering in Pawnee City.  His oldest son, Roger, still runs the business to this day.

Once his business was up and running, Ross began dating Mary Alice Hanson.  Their first date was on New Year’s Eve 1949, and the rest as they say, is history.  The two were married on May 29, 1950 and shared over 70 loving years together and had four children, Roger, Joyce, Rodney, and David.

Ross also had a passion for farming, and Mary Alice’s Uncle, Arthur (Art) Monagon was very instrumental in helping Ross get his start.  He enjoyed escaping to the quiet and calm of the farm, which was originally homesteaded by Mary Alice’s family nearly 165 years ago.  He spent many years raising both crops and cattle.

Ross’ hard work with his business and the farm never surpassed his love and caring for his family.  He took great pride in keeping up with his children’s and grandchildren’s lives, and that often meant traveling to new places near and far, which both he and Mary Alice loved.

In later years, Ross’ carpentry skills transitioned to a very impressive hobby of woodworking.  He spent countless hours in his shop crafting everything from wooden models to cutting boards.  His family and friends were often the lucky recipients of many of his creations.

Anyone who knew Ross, knew his personal relationship with God was at the forefront of who he was and everything he did.  It was the foundation for his life.  He was a lifelong Member of the United Presbyterian Church in Pawnee City and proudly served countless years as an Elder and member of the Session, providing leadership for his Church family.  He loved God, and there is no doubt God loved him.

Ross was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Myrtle (Neal) Thiemann, brothers and sisters-in-law Harold (Wilma) Thiemann, Fred (Lavinna) Thiemann, Edgar (Opal Mae) Thiemann, Richard (Beverly) Thiemann, and Everett (Orlean) Thiemann; sisters and brothers-in-law Hallye (Arthur) Friedly, Hazel (Clifford) Brown, Beulah (Ernie) Hooper, Alta (David) McFerrin, June (Dick) Smith, Gertrude (Dallas) Barnts, and Eva Jean (Wilbert) Estle.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Alice (Hanson) Thiemann of Pawnee City, NE, son Roger (Nancy) Thiemann of Pawnee City, daughter Joyce (John) Winter of Rogers, AR, son Rodney (Ann) Thiemann of Blair, NE, and son David (Laura) Thiemann of Windsor, CO; grandchildren Megan (Tristan) Bettenhausen of West Point, NE, Eric (Candice) Schmitz of Centralia, KS, Holly (Brian) Wempe of Pawnee City, NE, Amanda (Winter) Crouch of Bentonville, AR, Jacob Winter of Bentonville, AR, Jason Thiemann of Moab, UT, Amy (Carlos) Leal of Fort Worth, TX, Sarah (Tom) White of Blair, NE, Seth Thiemann of Omaha, NE, Matthew Thiemann of Windsor, CO, and Alexander Thiemann of Windsor, CO; great-grandchildren Trey Crouch of Bentonville, AR, Sofia and Cecilia Leal of Fort Worth, TX, Breanna and Jayce Schmitz of Centralia, KS, and Abby and Easton Wempe of Pawnee City, NE; many cherished nieces, nephews, and family friends.

Celebration of Life  2:00 p.m., Friday, April 23, 2021 at the First United Presbyterian Church.  Officiating Reverend Ken Tubbesing.  Inurnment at a later date.

Masks required at the service. Memorials may go to  family choice.  Online condolences may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com 

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary, Pawnee City, Nebraska.

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