Richard Lee Thebo's Obituary
Richard Lee "Rick" Thebo, age 62, of White Cloud, passed away Tuesday December 31, 2013, at his residence in Goodwell Township. Rick was born in Muskegon on October 14, 1951, the son of Art and Joyce (Lowden) Thebo. He attended Pineview School, and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1969. Rick joined the US Army in 1971, and was stationed in Germany as a Battalion Clerk. Following his discharge in 1973, Rick started working for Michigan Wisconsin/ANR Pipeline Co. until a farming accident in September of 2004 forced his retirement. He wasn't expected to walk after the accident, but through his determination, he was able to continue hobby farming which was his therapy. Rick grew up attending Woodville Christian Reformed Church, and was a member of St. Mary-St. Paul Catholic Church. He served as Pineview School Board president before the annexation to Big Rapids Public Schools. For 15 years, Rick was a leader for Mecosta County 4-H, and also led the Young Riders Club. He impacted many kids through his life and never met a kid he didn't love, and they loved him in return. Rick loved hunting, farming, his cows and horses, and his dog Maggie at his side. He enjoyed talking and visiting with family and friends, was everyone's best friend, and always had a kind word for others. Rick saw the best in people and his impact can be felt by all that came into contact with him. On September 5, 1970, Rick married Mary Rose Fetterley, who survives. Also surviving are two sons, Tim (Kelly) Thebo of Big Rapids and Mike (Julie) Thebo of White Cloud; daughter, Heidi (Eric) DeRuiter of Muskegon; five grandchildren, Jennifer, Timmy, Hope, Cole, and Brice; two brothers, Gary (Diane) Thebo and Ron (Julie) Thebo, of Big Rapids; two sisters, Sandy (Neal) Ensing of White Cloud and Sharyn (Scott) VanDerKolk of Manistee; his in-laws Richard (Carol) Kailing, James (Dena) Fetterley, and Sharon (Jeff) Toogood; along with many nieces, nephews, and special friends, Greg and Collen Olson, Kara, Ryan, Stacy, and Justin. Rick was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Wilbur and Mary Fetterley; an infant brother; and sister-in-law Lucy Kailing. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2014, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Big Rapids, with Fr. Dan DePew celebrating. Burial will be in the Goodwell Township Cemetery. Rick's family will greet friends from 5-8 p.m. Friday at the Mohnke Funeral Home, and after 10 a.m. on Saturday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested for the family's wishes, and to honor Rick his family asks that casual blue jean attire be worn.
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