John A Thede, Jr.

John A Thede, Jr., 94, of Libby, passed away Monday, Dec. 10, 2018, at the Libby Care Center of natural causes.

He was born Feb. 3, 1924, in Glendive, Mont., to John A., Sr. and Hilda (Belle) Thede. He spent his early childhood in Richey, Mont., and in 1936, at the age of 12, he moved with his family to Libby. The family settled on a ranch in Sheldon Flats. John started work in a creamery when he was 12 years old and worked there for a couple of years. He then went to work for the fish hatchery and also drove school bus, using his own vehicle as the bus! John usually hauled six to eight kids to school every day.

On June 22, 1943, he enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in July 1944. While serving his country, John spent time in the European Theater. He was a tank commander. When he returned home, he went to work for the J. Neils Lumber Company and worked at the mill for 43 years.

On August 9, 1947, by the Justice of the Peace in Moscow, Idaho, John married Dolores Becker. They enjoyed a good and happy life together. John enjoyed fishing, puttering around the house, hunting, camping, and spending time with his family — especially loving on his grandkids. He was known by many a child, young and old, as the ‘candyman,’ famous for having a sweet treat in his pocket to share with others.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Linda in 2013; and by his wife, Dolores, in 2008. Survivors include his children Dan (Jean) Thede and Carol Fuhlendorf (Russell) all of Libby; grandchildren Daniel (Jennifer) Thede of Flindhill, VA, Anastasia Cosgriff (David) of Libby, Jerad Fuhlendorf of Libby, Flavia Brown (Nathan) of ND, and Gavin Fuhlendorf (Carma) of Post Falls, ID; and 12 great-grandchildren Skyanne, McKenzie, Landon, Hannah, Brook, Chelsea, Devan, Adam, Dakota, Jason, McKenna, and Grayson.

Memorials in John’s honor may be given to the Libby Care Center or the Libby Baptist Church.

Services for John will be 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14 at Libby Baptist Church. Visitation will be 1-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13 at Schnackenberg Funeral Home in Libby, MT. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.