Wayne Rudolph Thede of Rochester, MN, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2017 at the Homestead of Rochester.

Wayne was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota on June 13, 1929 to Gerhardt (George) and Thelma (Hawkins) Thede. He lived on the family farms in Hollandale and Albert Lea, Minnesota. He had two sisters, Lorraine and Lorna. Wayne enjoyed farm life, participated in 4-H competitions, and while attending Albert Lea High School was involved in football, wrestling, baseball, and talent shows. After graduating high school in 1947, Wayne studied veterinary medicine, played football, and wrestled at the University of Minnesota. After transferring to Mankato State Teacher's College (Minnesota State University), Wayne was instrumental in starting their first wrestling team and helping them compete in the National Wrestling Championships. He graduated with a Business degree in 1952.

While attending college, he met Beverly Norby from Austin, MN. Just after their April 18, 1953 wedding, Wayne got permission for Bev to join him on his one-year Army deployment to Naples, Italy. After serving his nation, Wayne accepted a sales management position with Standard Oil Company. Together they had two daughters, Kathy and Karen, born in Pipestone, MN and son, Scott, born in Minneapolis. The family moved to Rochester and in 1965 Wayne started a Bridgeman's Ice Cream restaurant franchise. Wayne added commissary, vending, and catering divisions and eventually purchased the entire Bridgeman's company. In the early 1970's, Wayne established Green Meadows Arabian Horse Farm. After 25 years, he sold Bridgeman's Ice Cream and began working for Sun Control of MN where he worked until the age of 80.

Wayne was a long-time member of the Rochester Exchange Club, Elder of Meadow Park Church of Christ, Chairman and Board member of Minnesota Bible College, involved in the MN Arabian Horse Fall Festival and Minnesota Breeder's Association, and member and President of the National Ice Cream Retailer's Association. Wayne and Bev eventually became members of Autumn Ridge Church.

Wayne is survived by this wife, Beverly; two daughters, Kathy Robinson (Victor), Karen Thede; and one grandson, Thane Robinson. He has one remaining sister, Lorna Powers (Donald); and eight nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Lorraine Peterson (Iowa); a nephew, Lowell Peterson (California); and his precious son, Scott.

The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 16, 2017 at the Timothy Chapel, Autumn Ridge Church (3611 Salem Rd SW, Rochester, MN 55902) with Rev. Woody Roland officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. The visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home.

Memorials are preferred to Alzheimer's Association or Next Chapter Ministries (an Autumn Ridge Ministry).

Macken Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.