Bernard William Thien

Born to Bernard J Thien and Helen Schaecher in 1929 in Oakland, California, Bernard William Thien (Bernie) led a life defined by love, dedication, and service. A loving husband and father, he was predeceased by his wife Marilou Henrietta (in 1999) and Janice Moenke (in 2017), his son Timothy Thien, and his sisters Rosemary Ouimette, Helen Stepzinski, and Peggy Stump. Bernie is survived by his daughter, Katie Rand, his son, Michael Thien, son-in-law Tony Rand, and daughters-in-law Kim Thien and Beth Junker. He was blessed with grandchildren, leaving behind four grandsons (Andrew Thien, David Camacho, Scott Thien, and Austen Thien) and a granddaughter, Lindsey Thien. Late in his life, he was further blessed with three great-grandchildren: great-granddaughter Charlie Thien and great-grandsons Walter Camacho and Sam Thien.

A devout Catholic, Bernie belonged to St. Joseph’s Parish in Fremont since 1964 and actively served in many capacities, including in the choir and as the treasurer for the parish’s Saint Vincent de Paul charity for over sixty years. His impressive work ethic was evident throughout his life. After spending time in the seminary and serving in the US Army in the 1950s, he worked for General Motors in Fremont for over 27 years. Even after retirement, he continued to work, affiliating with Fremont’s Friendly Visitor program for homebound elderly individuals, a role he fulfilled into his 90s. He had a deep love for sports and coached Little League baseball for over thirty years. Earlier in his life, he enjoyed building things such as cabinets, brick planters, and patios, and he continued to find joy in gardening until the end.

Bernie will be sorely missed by his family and friends. There will be a short viewing and Rosary vigil at Berge-Pappas Chapel of Angels Mortuary at 9:00 am on Friday, April 25, followed by a funeral mass at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fremont at 11:00 am on the same day. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Saint Vincent de Paul Society, in keeping with Bernie’s generous spirit. May he rest in eternal peace, knowing he was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.