Joan T. (Brown) Thiede

Joan T. (Brown) Thiede peacefully entered the presence of the Lord on April 29, 2025, at the Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth, NE.

Joan was born on July 29, 1935, in Brady, NE, to Melvin K. and Esther L. (Yanken) Brown. She attended school in Brady until the family moved to Todd County, SD, when she was in the fifth grade. They made their home on a farm near Little Berg. Joan attended high school in Valentine, NE, for two years and graduated from Southwestern Bible Institute in Waxahachie, TX, in 1953. She later took courses at Chadron State and Black Hills State to obtain her teaching credentials and taught elementary school for two years near her family home in Todd County.

Joan accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at a young age—a decision that would guide her throughout her life. It was through a local church youth group that she met a young man named Orrin Thiede. Their connection quickly grew into a lifelong love and friendship. Joan and Orrin were married on August 26, 1955, and made their home on the Thiede ranch west of Burton, NE. They were blessed with two daughters, Cheri and Linda.

Joan was a woman of many talents. A gifted pianist, she faithfully served her church as both pianist and organist for most of her adult life. She gave piano lessons to many local children, often picking them up after school and welcoming them with fresh bread or homemade treats. Music was a vital part of her daily life, and her home was often filled with the sound of her playing.

Joan was a natural leader and teacher. She taught Sunday School, directed Vacation Bible School, led the church’s girls club and local 4-H groups, and for many years, led a women’s community Bible study. She was active in the local extension club and served as Women’s Ministry Leader at Burton Assembly of God. In 1990, she was appointed Assistant Director of Women’s Ministries for the Nebraska District of the Assemblies of God—a role she held with joy and dedication for 12 years.

In addition to her ministry work, Joan was deeply involved in ranch life. She worked alongside Orrin in the hayfield, during calving season, branding, feeding cattle, driving tractors and horseback riding. She prepared hearty meals, tended a large garden, canned for days, and grew beautiful flowers to share with others. Her home was always open, a place of warmth and generous hospitality.

Joan and Orrin shared a love for travel and were blessed to see much of the United States, including Alaska, as well as travel to Mexico, Canada, Jamaica, and Europe. Yet her most treasured trips were those to visit her children and grandchildren. Joan’s relationships with her daughters, their spouses, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were deep and cherished. Her daily prayers reflected her enduring love for each of them.

Joan’s heart for people extended beyond family to include her church, community and the world. She lived out her faith with integrity and generosity, supporting missions and encouraging others in their walk with Christ.

She is now reunited in heaven with her parents, Melvin and Esther Brown; her brother, Gerald Brown; her grandson, Jory Pauls; and her son-in-law, Kerry Andrews.

Left to cherish her memory and carry on her legacy are her beloved husband and best friend, Orrin Thiede; her daughters, Cheri (John) Pauls of Scottsdale, AZ, and Linda Andrews of York, NE; her grandchildren, Justin (Casey) Pauls of Happy Valley, OR, Chenille (Michael) Jordan of Vancouver, WA, Tessa (Jacob) Barber of Lincoln, NE, and Taylor Andrews of Elkhorn, NE; and her great-grandchildren, Parker and Ranger Pauls, Naomi Jordan, and Judah Barber.

She is also survived by her dearly loved sisters, Janice (Tim) Cook of Springview, NE, Jalene Duggan of Rancho Cucamonga, CA, and Judy (Lyle) Nickerson of Imperial, NE; er brother-in-law, Ivan Farlin of Burton; and many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Joan and Orrin are especially thankful for the close relationship they share with Clint, Cindy, Trent, and Madison Focken, who have long been a loving extension of their family.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family in Joan’s name. All donations will be directed toward ministries that were dear to her heart.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Burton Assembly of God Church. Burial followed in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Springview. Pastor Dick Wallace officiated at the service. Music was provided by Kayla Schrantz accompanying Jacob Barber as he sang “Because He Lives,” and Kevin Moore sang “Sheltered in the Arms of God“ and “No One Ever Cared For Me Like Jesus.” A Eulogy was given by Rev. John Pauls. Casketbearers were: Justin Pauls, Taylor Andrews, Parker Pauls, Jacob Barber, Jerry Cook, and Mike Brown. Honorary Casketbearers were: Chenille Jordan, Tessa Barber, Casey Pauls , Naomi Jordan, Judah Barber, Ranger Pauls and Michael Jordan. Memorials were suggested to the family in Joan’s name to go towards various ministries. Interment was in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Springview. The cemetery song was “Amazing Grace.” Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to www.hochfuneralhome.com.