Darlene, Mike and Cherie, my sincere and deepest sympathy to you and your entire family. Wally was bigger than life in my mind. I always enjoyed spending time with the 4 of you and I loved babysitting for the kids.
Wally’s was a life well lived and a truly exceptional man. We need more people like him in this world. He will be missed.
Wallace "Wally" R. Thyen
October 13, 1942 – August 11, 2026
Wally was love.
He was the kindest human being most of us will ever know. He was “Minnesota nice” personified.
He was known for his friendly smile, his big heart and his legendary ability to remember people’s names.
Wally was born and raised in Richmond. He was an amazing athlete and was inducted into the Eden Valley High School Hall of Fame. He excelled in football, basketball, track, and especially baseball. Following his high school graduation, Wally signed with the Chicago Cubs.
Soon thereafter, he married his high school sweetheart, Darlene Eades, and they became proud parents to Mike and Cherie. He was the best dad ever, and he loved his kids with his whole heart. He also loved the grocery business. His work ethic was beyond compare. He worked six days a week and on Sundays, he led songs at the Eden Valley Church of God.
Wally traveled the world, but he never forgot where he came from. He was devoted to Paynesville, where he humbly served the community through his work with the Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club, the Jaycees, and the Community Service Center. He earned several civic awards, but his greatest honor came from handing out ice cream treats to the children after the Town and Country Days kiddie parade.
Wally became Papa at age 45, when his first grandchild, Max, was born. Max was soon joined by Elliott, Jamison and Aubrey, and those four grandkids became his world. He tirelessly pushed them on the swing, read to them, played cards and board games, and taught them to waterski. Dried their tears. He spent countless hours attending their football and basketball games, their cross-country meets, their band and orchestra concerts. And he loved every minute. There was only one rule at Papa’s house: at breakfast, you can’t eat your cookie until you finish your doughnut. But even that rule was rarely enforced.
Watching his grandchildren grow up and experience the absolute joy of becoming parents themselves was Papa’s dream come true. His great-grandchildren, Paisley, Teagan, Wally, Amelia, Carter, Daisy, Jayden and Graham were his shining stars.
Wally is gone, but his kind and caring legacy will never be forgotten by those who loved him so very much: his cherished wife of 65 years, Darlene; his children, Mike (and Sheila) and Cherie (and Clay); his grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister, Donna (and Bob) Backes; his sister-in-law, Agnes Thyen; his brother-in-law, Florian Kalthoff; his brother-in-law, Dave (and Bine) Eades and his many beloved nieces and nephews.
Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Betty Thyen; his sisters Mickey Adams and Doris Kalthoff; his brothers LeRoy (Speed) and Roger; his sister-in-law, Angie Thyen and his brother-in-law, Floyd Adams.
Wally’s visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Paynesville Lutheran Church. An additional brief visitation will take place the following
morning, August 28, starting at 9:30 a.m. at the same church. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m.
True to his generous spirit, Wally chose to donate his body to the University of Minnesota Medical School.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred, and proceeds will benefit the causes closest to his heart.
Guestbook
I known Wally my entire life. He was a remarkable man. He never said an unkind word about anyone & always had a smile on his face. He will be missed.
My deepest sympathy to Darlene and Wally’s whole family. It is a very sad time to know that Wally is no longer with us on this earth. I have known and loved Wally for most of my life going back to the days he was involved with Fairway Foods. His devotion to the community is unmatched and as unique as Wally was. He developed a keen ability to remember the names of people and to make each person feel seen and special. I learned many good things from observing his ways in business and with people. Over the years, he was very supportive of me in so many ways. I am most grateful for the life of Wally Thyen. We who have known and loved him have been richly blessed. He made an important difference in our community and our world. Rest in Peace Wally; you have earned it.
We too were welcomed to Paynesville by Wally. Our first year as “summer people” he greeted as at the grocery store asking us our names and where were from and the like. As our children were too young to leave alone at the cabin at the time, so we aways came into town as a pack. Each spring were were warmly welcomed back, all 4 of us called by name. He seemed sincerely happy to see us. Years passed and one day, a decade since
we had all come into town as a pack. We ran into Wally. He called our children by name. \\\”Christine, Alexander how nice to see you!\\\” He was interested in where they lived and what they were doing. Impressive!. I will miss him about town, Paynesville will not be the same.Jennifer any Doug Ryan
John and I send you are deepest sympathy in your loss of Wally! Always smiling and friendly! Donna and John Schindele Knaus
Wally was one of the first smiling faces I encountered when I moved to Paynesville 11 years ago. I enjoyed talking to him and he was so helpful at the store. And a smile that would turn any bad day brighter. He will always be remembered. Blessings to you and your family during this difficult time.
My sister & I visited Paynesville years into adulthood. We shopped at the market and heard a familiar voice announce “It’s the Hanson girls.” To this day, we wonder how he recognized us after so many years. Wally could have taught classes on customer service. He totally understood it’s value and then some.
Wally was Paynesville’s Mr. Rogers. I worked for him in the mid-late 70’s. His example of kindness and compassion never wavered. He set a standard that influenced so many of our lives. From stocking shelves in the middle of the night to early morning breakfasts with all of the employees, he was always the best. I think we all aspire to be a little bit like Wally and what a legacy that is!
Thanks for the memories, Wally. We’ll miss you…
Paynesville is a tiny bit colder without Wally’s warm smile.
RIP Wally. Growing up right down the street from G& T I went in there often. Always had a smile for everyone and never forgot a name. You were a pillar to the community 🙏🙏
I feel incredibly blessed that our paths crossed. I will miss seeing you, talking with you, and knowing that you were always there supporting what we were trying to do for others. Your impact on our community is far greater than you probably ever realized.
Thank you for being YOU. Thank you for believing in our Center and in the people we serve. I promise your kindness will continue to ripple through this community.
You were a true soul to our Community Center, and you will forever have a special place in my heart. Until we meet again… Love Always Allison Janssen & Paynesville Community Service Center Staff
Services
Schedule Details
Wally’s visitation will be held on Thursday, August 27, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Paynesville Lutheran Church. An additional brief visitation will take place the following
morning, August 28, starting at 9:30 a.m. at the same church. The funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m.