Marsha (Ruskell) Thieke

Marsha (Ruskell) Thieke, 72, Chatfield, Minn., passed away peacefully August 17, 2024, with her family by her side after a five-year battle with FTD.

Marsha was born in Beatrice, Nebr.,  coming to Chatfield in 1960. A graduate of Chatfield High School, Class of 1969, she attended Winona State University where she graduated in the class of 1974, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education.

She married Larry Thieke April 8, 1972, at St. Paul Lutheran Church. They raised their four children in Chatfield where she spent 28 years as a fifth grade teacher. She was heavily involved in Chatfield high school athletics, coaching Volleyball and Track over a span of 20 years in a variety of roles. Marsha also served as a gymnastics judge for several years. She was a member of ADK. She was on the inaugural trip to Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center, a favorite of every fifth grade student. She was very proud to be part of the group that founded such a wonderful experience for young students. This field trip is still going strong today, which would make her proud. Marsha retired from the Chatfield School District in 2012.

Marsha loved spending time with her family, most of all her nine grandchildren, supporting them at their events both in Chatfield and South Carolina. She was an avid quilter and a talented seamstress. After retiring she spent six years traveling the country in an RV with her husband Larry. Where they had many adventures together.

She is survived by her husband Larry Thieke, four children: Margo (Michael) Tuohy, Lucas (Sarah) Thieke, Michelle (Will) Young and Amanda (Ryan) Priebe; nine grandchildren: Gage, Jett, Brody, Zayda, Bailey, Maizee, Bella, John and Bernice; brothers Gary (Maureen) Ruskell, TJ (Deb) Ruskell, and Richard (Alex Castro) Ruskell and sister Linda (Larry) Tarras.

She was preceded in death by her parents Warren and Martha Russell.

Her family would like to thank the Chosen Valley Care Center for the tremendous care and compassion they showed Marsha during her last two years, as well as Season’s Hospice in her final months.

Celebration of Life for Marsha Thieke takes place Sunday, September 1, 1-3 p.m. at the Chatfield Center for the Arts – Legion Room, 405 Main St. South, Chatfield, Minn. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Eagle Bluff Field Trip, in memory of Marsha Thieke.