Terry A. Thein – Voice Of Muscatine


Terry A. Thein, 65, passed away at home Thursday, January 9, 2025, after a strong fought battle against Parkinson’s Disease and Lewy Body Dementia.

Terry was born to Melvin and Mary Lou (Mueller) Thein in Maquoketa, IA on December 5, 1959. He remained in Maquoketa following graduation from high school in 1977, where he started his career with Fareway Stores Inc. He met his beloved wife, Mary Jo (Pitts) Thein, in 1985 and married on October 31, 1986, in La Motte, IA. Early in their marriage, they moved throughout Iowa for Terry’s career with Fareway, while growing their family. It was in 2000, Terry and Mary Jo landed in Muscatine with their three kids Tyler, Trevor, and Tiffany. It is here where Terry would finish his dedicated career of 45 years with Fareway. He was recognized with the Fareway Shield of Honor in August of 2019, and when asked how he wanted to be remembered for his career he said, “as someone who cared about the employees and the customers.”

Terry was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Many fond memories surround his passion for golf and bowling. Terry was inducted into the Bowling Hall of Fame in 2018 for his accomplishments of five perfect 300 games and five 800 series. Terry also enjoyed watching his kids sports and activities, playing cards with friends, and listening to the Golden Oldies. Although his days as a grandfather were cut short, he never wasted a minute showing them his love. From reading books, attending t-ball games, to simply making funny faces, his grandchildren admired him and will carry a special part of “Papa” in their hearts forever.

Terry was preceded to heaven by his parents, Melvin and Mary Lou Thein, and aunts and uncles. He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo Thein of Muscatine, IA; their children: Tyler Thein and wife April of New London, IA, Trevor Thein and wife Natalie of Conroy, IA, and Tiffany (Thein) Banks and husband Cory of Adel; five grandchildren: Clayton Thein, Jameson Thein, Ezekiel Banks, Lane Thein, and Penelope Banks; siblings: Tom Thein and wife Loretta of Monticello, IA, Jane (Thein) Novak and husband Mike of Calamus, IA, and Doug Thein and wife Sarah of Ventura, IA, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

While we lost our most beloved husband and dad, many others have lost a friend and loved one in him. He has been a rock to many, a master at sarcastic and witty humor, a golf and bowling partner, a smiling and cheerful face to customers, and unknowingly a mentor to many young men and women during his career at Fareway. He will be missed by all and forever loved in our hearts and memories.

Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. The Reverend Chris Weber will officiate. Visitation will be held following the service from 3:30 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for a donation to The University of Iowa for Lewy Body Dementia Research, in Terry’s honor. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Terry A. Thein, please visit our floral store.

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