Nicholas W. Thode, 83, of Eden, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at Aurora Medical Center Oshkosh. He was born on New Years Day, 1942, in Fond du Lac, the son of Walter and Emma (Richardson) Thode. While still periodically helping out on his parents’ farm, Nick spent many years as a long-haul truck driver, eventually logging over three million miles and passing through countless places in America. A humble yet proud man, Nick approached the world with a zest for life and a sense of adventure.
Nick had a passion for the outdoors that led to him becoming an elite hunter and fisherman for decades. He hunted big game in multiple states, bagging moose, elk, bear, wild turkey, and countless others. Likewise, he fished year-round, landing musky, catfish, salmon, and whatever else was biting. He hunted and fished to the very end of his life. Never just a trophy hunter, Nick prided himself on turning all the meat he harvested into food. This led to him becoming a talented cook, making delicious meals. A true outdoorsman, Nick would process his own game, grow his own fruits and vegetables, and make excellent wine.
He is survived by his sister, Christine (Thode) Cooper, Brother-in-law Larry Cooper, Daughter Lisa (Thode) Burke, Son-in-law Paul Burke, Grandchildren Anya and Cian, Nephews Jefferson Cooper, William Pickart, and Nate Keyhoe, and Nieces Brenda (Brister) Cooper, Elizabeth (Cooper) Pickart, and Rebecca (Cooper) Keyhoe, as well as by a large and close-knit extended family of cousins. Nick was also loved by a wide circle of friends and neighbors.
On Saturday, December 6, 2025, visitation will take place from 11:00 until 12:00 Noon at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 12:00 Noon. Burial will follow the service at Estabrooks Cemetery.
Nick was a rugged individual who lived the life he wanted to live.
He had an American cowboy spirit.
Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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