SIOUX CITY -- Richard Henry Thibodeau, 69, of Sioux City, loving husband and father, died Friday, April 29, 2011, at his home after a lengthy illness, surrounded by his family.
Services will be 3:30 p.m. Monday at Morningside Bible Church with the Rev. Terry Embke officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home.
Richard was born on July 2, 1941, in Salem, S.D. He was the son of Art and Irene (Olson) Thibodeau. He married Sonja Matiak, and they had been together for 27 years. Richard was a truck driver and a mechanic for Specialized Hauling retiring after 40 years. He also enjoyed his part-time job with Gary and Barb Warner.
Richard enjoyed boating, fishing, camping and tinkering around in the garage. He loved wrestling, polka music and spending time with his pastor and church family. The most important part of his life was his wife, children, grandchildren and the rest of his family.
He is survived by his wife, Sonja; three sons, Mike and Juli, Gary and Tami and Raymond J.H. Thibodeau; two daughters, Brenda Thibodeau and Tammy Thibodeau; his stepchildren, Donnie Hare, Robin and Roger DeVries, Theresa and Bill Pierce, Kim and Johnny Pittman, Jerry Jr. and Cathy Thomas, Chris and Nick Halbmaier, Timothy and Shawn Thomas; 26 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; brother, Wally and Maggie Thibodeau; many nieces and nephews and numerous friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Steve; and a sister, Sharon Moritz.