Ronald LeRoy Theile

Minot

Ronald LeRoy Thiele, 90, Minot, passed away Saturday, May 13, 2023 at Trinity Hospital in Minot.

Ron was born on August 4, 1932 in Los Angeles, CA to LeRoy and Virginia (Shipman) Thiele. As a child, he survived polio and went on to become a model. He attended Bell Gardens High School and graduated in 1950.

By 1960, Ron had been drafted, joined the Air Force, met and married the love of his life, Judith Raye Perkins, had 4 children, served in the Korean War, was stationed in Japan, and settled with his family in Roswell, NM. He also lost a beloved daughter to Leukemia.

By 1970, Ron was transferred to Minot, where he raised his family, and retired as a Master Sergeant. During his military career, Ron served in the Korean War, Vietnam War, and Cold War as a gunner on B29’s and B52’s. He was awarded numerous service medals and the Air Medal.

By 1980, Ron had become a firefighter and eventually a fire inspector where he received the Civilian Medal of Valor.

He was also a 33rd degree Master Mason, awarded by the Scottish Rite.

Retired, Ron was able to travel the world with his love, Judy, when she had temporary duty assignments (TDY’s). This time was also filled with frequent trips to Minot to be with their grandchildren. After Judy retired, they moved back to Minot to live closer to family.

Family was everything to Ron. He filled it with love, laughter, diapers, a menagerie of pets, camping, picnics, games, and finding the perfect Christmas tree. He also filled it with his time, energy, and wisdom. He was the fixer of all things broken, including toys, cars, and hearts.

A few of his hobbies were creating stained glass windows, golfing, camping, hunting, and sailing. He also loved music, reading and watching westerns, and drinking a cold beer.

Ron had an amazing spirit and he was deeply loved by family and friends, and deeply respected by nearly everyone who met him. Even battling Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, his spirit always shined through. The twinkle-in-his-eye and genuine “I’m SO happy to see you!” smile, will be deeply missed.

Ron’s loving family includes his children: Ronald L. Thiele II of Chugiak, AL, Kim Marie Thiele of Minot, Michele (J.D.) Ritter of Havelock, NC, Gina Renee Brekke of Minot, and son-in-law, Rick Brekke; grandchildren: Denise (Ian Whitehead) Buchanan, Ronald L. Thiele III, Raymond Thiele, Cassandra (Selina) Brekke, Christopher (Katie) Brekke, and Brandon (Vidya) Shade; and great-grandchildren: Caitlyn Bertsch, Natalie (Tanner) Nett, Odin Brekke, Ronald L. Thiele IV, Jaxon Buchanan, Katniss Thiele, Magnus Brekke, and Bjorn Brekke.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Kim Marie; and his parents, LeRoy and Virginia.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Rosehill Memorial Park in Minot. Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at www.thompsonlarson.com

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 18, 2023.