Harold Thisius, age 88, of Wells, MN passed away Sunday, December 8th, 2024 at Parkview Care Center in Wells. A Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025 at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Wells, MN at 1:30 pm. Visitation will start one hour prior to the Mass (12:30 – 1:30 pm) at the church. Military Honors will be done by the Wells Area Color Guard. *In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Shepherd’s Inn, Parkview Care Center Activities and UHD Hospice.

Born May 7, 1936, in Wells, MN to Leonard and Myrtle (Brandt) Thisius, Harold grew up on the family farm working alongside his mother and dad. He attended country school until eighth grade and rode his horse, Black Beauty, to school.  In ninth grade he went to public school and he graduated from Wells High School in 1954. He volunteered for the draft and proudly served during the Korean conflict in Germany.  He was honorably discharged in October of 1956. Harold was a proud member of the American Legion and VFW in Wells.

After completing his service in the Army, he came home to farm and was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, LaVonne Marie Herman, on February 5, 1957.  To this union they had six children.  They continued to live on the family farm.  In 1979, Harold had a life-changing farm accident. He endured pain every single day following that accident but never complained. They were dairy farmers until 1993 and continued to crop farm until 1999.

Harold loved fishing, slot machines, happy hour, and his family. But most of all he loved LaVonne, the love of his life.  He was such a devoted husband and father – he was a family man!  This is reflected by the many family gatherings commonly known as the “campout” or “ThisiusFest” on the family farm where “cousins became friends” and enjoyed “grampa treats” as they graced the front door of the house. He had a great sense of humor and always had a story tell or a prank to play.  RIP rooster tattoo!!!

Left to cherish Harold’s memory are his wife of 67 years, LaVonne; six children Deb (Randy) Tolzmann of Wells, MN; David (Tammie) Thisius of St. Charles, MN; Denise (Jeff) Besser of Savage, MN; DeAnne (Doug) Walters of Bloomington, MN; Dennis (Anita) Thisius of Clarks Grove, MN; and Donna (Brian) Meyerink of Algona, IA. 15 grandchildren: Sarah (Marc) Hamann, Jake (Sarah) Tolzmann, Jenny Andring; Scott (LeAnn) Thisius, Kim (Mitch) Wolf; Nick (Kathy) Besser, Chad (Kelly) Besser, Megan (Kyle) Krecklow; Matt (Rachel) Walters, Angie Walters; Steph Thisius (Josh Herrboldt), Stacie (Andy) Rolands, Steven (Sophie) Thisius; Briana (Kevin) Fischer, and Dayne Meyerink. 25 great grandchildren:  Emma Hamann; Hayden, Leigha, and Jaylee Tolzmann, Jayden Barnick; Carter and Taylin Andring; Christopher, Allie and Lucas Thisius; Kaylee, Kyle and Kassidy Wolf; Jack, Harold and Nora Besser; Cole and Kade Besser; Bailey and Carter Krecklow; Kaylin and Isabella Walters; Henry and Sadie Sanders; and Rhett Thisius…..ALL BECAUSE TWO PEOPLE FELL IN LOVE! In addition, he is survived by his in-laws, John Herman, and Jeanette & Jim Wilder.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Jeanette and her husband Dale Johnson; sister-in-law Helen Herman, and many friends and family.