Edward Thyen

Edward B. “Ed” Thyen

Age 86, of North Branch, formerly of Cottage Grove, went home to his Lord and Savior November 15, 2021. He was born on the family farm in Farming, Minnesota, on January 29, 1935. He was the fourth of seven siblings. He met the love of his life, Marie, in December 1956 and married in September 1957 and spent 64 wonderful years together.  He  was a no-nonsense man; and worked hard to provide for his family

He had many passions and interests that included fishing,  square dancing, and flower gardening with Marie; they were honored to receive an award from the City of Cottage Grove for their beautiful yard.  He especially loved fishing,  with his brother Leo, and with his son Tony.

Above all other passions was his family, he loved spending time with his wife, children, and cherished grandchild, Madeline.  He also enjoyed time spent with his brother and sisters as well as brother and sister-in-laws; he treasured the weekly phone calls from brother-in-law, Butch.

He enjoyed talking with anyone and everyone, once you met him you weren’t a stranger for long; he loved to laugh and bring laughter to others as well.

He worked as a meat cutter most of his career and retired from St. Thomas Aquinas Church as the Building and Grounds Supervisor.  He was a Korean war veteran and carried pride in his service with quiet dignity  That same quiet dignity could be observed in his true and dedicated faith.

He is survived by his wife, Marie; children, Kathy Fragale,  Anthony (Julene) Thyen, and Sharon (Doug) Payne; granddaughter, Madeline (Austin) Fragale Patraw; step-grandchildren, Sarah and Andrew Payne; sisters, Fran Geise, Maria Simonson, Margaret Malark and Betty Lou Vranyes; many nieces, and nephews, and a host of other loving family and friends; he will be missed by many. He is preceded in death by his parents Anton and Elizabeth Thyen, brother, Leo (Dorothy); and sister, Eleanor (Al) Brennan; brothers-in-law, Peter Giese, Herman Simonsson, Ray Malark, and Al Vranyes. Mass of Christian Burial Monday, November 22 at 10:30 AM at ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CATHOLIC CHURCH (920 Holley Avenue, St. Paul Park) with visitation Sunday, November 21 from 3:00 - 7:00 PM at BRADSHAW CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTER (4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear) and one hour prior to the service at church. Interment St. Thomas Aquinas Parish Cemetery.