Richard Otto Thaden

February 6, 1930 - September 1, 2024

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Richard "Dick" Otto Thaden, the son of Otto and Clara (Hellmers) Thaden passed away on September 1, 2024 at the age of 94 at the Yorkshire Homestead Adult Family Home in Everett, WA. He was born in his childhood home in Ft. Calhoun, NE on February 6, 1930. He graduated from Norfolk High School in 1948. He met Wilma Mathilda Doerr at the Norfolk roller skating rink. They were married on October 26, 1952 and they raised their three daughters in the Omaha, NE area. Dick frequently commented that Wilma was the love of his life and the best "life partner" he could have ever wished for.

Richard's work career began earlier than most, starting in junior high at Ellenberger's Feed store in Norfolk. He clearly remembered having to move 100-pound sacks to retrieve the specific sack of flour that had the "desired" print that would be used later to make a dress for the lady of the house.

While attending high school, Richard worked at the Krueger Electrical shop in Norfolk. He attributed his electrical knowledge to Mr. Krueger, who let him sit in on the GI Bill training classes held at the shop for veterans returning from WWII. This knowledge allowed him to obtain his journeyman's electrical license without additional training at the age of 24 (the youngest ever out of the IBEW Union Hall in Omaha). He worked at Offutt Air Force Base before establishing Thaden Electric Inc. He ran this business for 10 years before selling it to allow him more time with Wilma and his daughters. He served in the 134th Battalion of the Army National Guard from 1948 to 1962 where he was awarded a marksman pin for his proficiency with a rifle and attained the rank of 1st Lieutenant.

Richard's greatest job adventure was working on the Alaska oil pipeline. Being far away from his family in Omaha was difficult, but the high wages allowed him and Wilma to fulfill their dream of helping with the cost of all three daughters' college education. Richard and Wilma moved to Washington State in 1980, entering the state on the day Mt. Saint Helen's erupted. After working other large construction jobs in Alaska, he ended his career on a high point by working for Rodgers Electric in Everett, WA as a valued employee until he retired.

Realizing the importance of education, Richard took great pride and interest in his daughters' careers. His amazing work ethic and attention to detail were noted by all who worked with him. In addition to passing these traits on to his daughters, he also instilled them in his two beloved grandchildren. Joshua's and Emily's continued presence and love throughout his life brought Richard many smiles and much joy.

Survivors include his three daughters, Jan Thaden of Marysville, WA, Richelle (David) Tripp of Arlington, WA, Marla (Robert) Shelbourn of Valentine, NE, two grandchildren, Joshua (Courtney) Tripp of Gallatin, TN, Emily (Ryan) Mansfield of Madison Heights, MI and two great grandchildren, Tucker and Isla Tripp. He was preceded in death by his wife Wilma, his parents; his half-brother Valere Thaden and many other loved ones.

~~~obituary courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

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