Jon Lester Thiem, 80, of Rochester, Minnesota died Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at Edenbrook Nursing Home.

Jon was born July 24,1945 in Rochester to Lester and Faye Thiem. He graduated from John Marshall Highschool and married his high school sweetheart Karen Eleice Phelps on July 18, 1965. The couple lived in Rochester their whole lives. In 1966, their son Joel Guy Thiem was born. And in1969 their daughter Jill Erin Thiem was born.

Jon was a Firefighter for the Rochester Fire Department in Rochester and later was promoted to Lieutenant Fire Inspecter. In the time he was employed by the Fire Department he saved lives and cracked many arson cases. During the flood of 1978, he was called to rescue people from the rising waters. Because he had to leave his family at home in the flood zone, he tied his boat to a tree in the yard in case they needed to escape.

Jon loved hunting, fishing, watching wrestling, the Vikings, and the North Stars on tv. Jon was known for his slightly off kilter sense of humor. He loved to laugh and make people laugh.

He is survived by his children Joel Thiem and Jill (Thiem) Hunt, Son in law Bryan Hunt, four grandchildren: Hannah Hasterlo, Samuel Hunt, Benjamin Hunt and GraciAnna Hunt. And five great granddaughters Violet, Poppy, Rose, Paisley and Ellie. He is proceeded in death by his parents, wife and both brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 3:30 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home in Rochester, MN. Visitation is from 3:00pm until the time of the service. Burial will take place in Grandview Memorial Gardens in Rochester.