Donald Thiesen

Donald F. Thiesen, 90, passed away quietly at his home in Kalispell on Jan. 11, 2014, surrounded by family.

He was born Feb. 2, 1923, in Whitefish to Hans F. and Fern Hatfield Thiesen. He spent his early years in Whitefish and Nyack Flats. The family moved to Southern Illinois, where he attended grade school and later graduated from high school in Lyons, Ind.

In January 1942, Don enlisted in the Air Force, serving in the South Pacific during World War II. He was honorably discharged in February 1945. After the war, he attended the University of Montana, graduating in 1950 with a degree in education.

In January of 1953, he married Myrlann Poole McMahon.

Don later went on to the University of Oregon where he earned a master’s in education. He taught and administered in the public school system for 35 years in Oregon, Washington and Montana, retiring from the Dutton school system in 1985.  

For many years his summers were spent at the cabin at Lake Five, as he worked as a seasonal ranger in Glacier National Park. Upon retirement, Don and Myrlann returned to Kalispell.

Don is survived by sons Jeff Thiesen and Murphy McMahon; sister-in-law Jane Wheeler Fulton; five grandchildren; one great grandson; his longtime caregiver Sue Bissner; and numerous nieces and nephews.

At Don's request no services will be held.

In lieu of flowers or cards, Don requested any memorials be sent to the Montana Veterans Home, P.O. Box 250, Columbia Falls MT 59912.