John William Thiede

PORTAGE  --  John William Thiede, age 70, passed away on Sunday, October 5, 2014 at home.  He was born on July 15, 1944 in Madison, the only child of Alice A. (Anderson) and Kenneth K. Thiede. 

John graduated from Madison West High School in 1962.  During his high school years, he became accomplished musician (drummer) as a member of the Madison Scouts’ Junior Drum and Bugle Corps, and played with the Madison Scouts’ Senior Drum and Bugle Corps for four years.  When attending the UW, he was a member of the UW Marching Band and during his freshman year traveled with the band to the 1963 Rose Bowl.

John served his country in the U.S. Air Force in Alaska.  Upon returning to the “lower 48” states, John became an entrepreneur operating several small businesses of which the last was Walcott Sewing and Vacuum.

John enjoyed fishing all his life especially with his friend, Chris Lampert.  He was an avid “train spotter” as well as DX-chaser on the AM broadcast band.

John was one of the “Madison Six” (Tom Baillies, Tom Tuttle, Tom Pierce, Glenn Hovde, John and Kevin Gould) which was a close knit group of friends who enjoyed times together for over 50 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and close friend, Tom Baillies.

He is survived by his “God-sister” Mary Peterson and her family, his close friends, Glenn Hovde, Tom Tuttle, Tom Pierce, Kevin Gould and their families, plus many other friends.  His stories, laughter, and camaraderie sorely will be missed by all including his many friends at the Riverwood Apartments in Portage.

A special thank you to Angela Hinze, Chief Medical Examiner, Columbia County.

A burial service will be held at Forest Hill Cemetery, Madison, on Friday, October 10, 2014 at 12:00 noon, with the Rev. Joe Brosious officiating.

A tribute to John will be held at Riverwood Apartments in Portage on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 12:00 noon.  The Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting. 

Memorial gifts may be made to Friends of John Thiede and mailed to Riverwood Apartments, 215 W. Mullett St., Portage, WI  53901.