Obituary – Francis Frank Thieman

OMAHA — Francis “Frank” R. Thieman, 71, died Jan. 24, 2008, in Omaha, after a long battle with heart disease.
Visitation and a Rosary were Jan. 27 at St. Frances Catholic Church, Randolph;
Funeral Services were Jan. 28 at St. Frances Catholic Church, Randolph, with Rev. Dave Korth and Rev. John Andrews officiating.
Interment was in St. Frances Cemetery Randolph, with Military Rites provided by V.F.W. Alvin Kessler Post #5545 and American Legion Post #113, Randolph.
Johnson Funeral Home, Randolph, was in charge of arrangements.
Pallbearers were Corey James, Alex McFarland, Jeff Edmondson, Eric Sauser, Mike Sloan and Marshall Einrem

Honorary Pallbearers were Meagan Einrem, Elisha Thieman, Katie McFarland, McKayla Thieman, Paige Thieman, Sydney Mueller and Caden Irish
Frank was born Dec. 28, 1936, in Randolph, to Frank and Nell (Jones) Thieman. He graduated from St. Frances Catholic schools in Randolph, in 1956, and enlisted in the U.S Army. He was honorably discharged in 1958 and returned to Randolph, where he was a partner in Huwaldt Oil Co. and operated The Cornhusker Cafe, where he met Mary Kay Sauser. They were married Sept. 4, 1961, at St. Frances Catholic Church, Randolph. They lived briefly in Ainswoth, before moving to Yankton, S.D., in 1964, where the family put down roots and lived for the next 25 years.
With the support of Mary Kay, Frank was the owner of multiple business ventures: Phillips 66 jobbership, a farm in Mission Hill, and Yankton Auto Supply. Frank was very committed to the success of his community and served on numerous Boards. He served six years in the South Dakota House of Representatives and he served for several years as the Director of Economic Development for Yankton. They were members of Sacred Heart parish and Frank was a member of the Knights of Columbus for many years. From very young ages his children were involved in most everything their parents were, including 4H.
Once the kids were out of the house, Frank and Mary Kay moved to Chandler, Ariz., and owned Chandler Big A Auto Parts store. In 1995, they returned to the Midwest, making Omaha their home and to run their last business, Hand & Spirit Manufacturing. Shortly there after, Frank retired. During his retirement he continued to love playing 10-point pitch and watching Creighton Basketball and Nebraska football.
Frank was challenged early in his life with health issues, suffering a massive coronary at the age of 46. He received a heart transplant in January 2000. Following his transplant, he was active with the New Hearts group; a group that honors donor families and encourages organ and tissue donations.
Frank is survived by his wife, Mary Kay; children, Terri and Byron McFarland, Sue Thieman, Scott Thieman, and John and Lynn Thieman; grandchildren, Meagan and Marshall Einrem, Corey James, Elisha Thieman, Alex McFarland, Katie McFarland, McKayla Thieman, and Paige Thieman; and his great-grandchildren, Sydney and Caden.
He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Sloan; and infant sisters.
In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials to Frank Thieman Memorial Fund to be used in part to support New Hearts Group of Omaha, c/o 2525 S. 160th Court, Omaha, NE 68130.