Garry John Thielen passed away peacefully on Dec. 20, 2017 in Reno, NV. He was born Oct. 3, 1942 to Mitchell and Irene Thielen in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada and grew up on the family farm near Milk River, Alberta.

Garry graduated with a degree in Mining Engineering from South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in 1972. He worked briefly for Peabody Coal Company in southern Illinois before joining Magcobar Minerals (now M-I Swaco) to manage the Barite Mine in Walton, Nova Scotia.

He was manager of a mine in Derbyshire, England for 3 years before moving to Battle Mountain, NV as manager of the Greystone Barite Mine. After spending 30 years there, he retired to enjoy his favorite pastimes, reading, crosswords, an occasional cigar, and taking grandson Travis to the Discovery Museum.

Garry was predeceased by his parents, his first wife, Beth Graham, and his sister, Patricia Woit. Missing him dearly are his wife of 47 years, Katharine, his daughters, Barbara (Matt) Krumbine, Christine (Leon) Gill, and God-daughter, Ashley (Scott) Nunez. Also his grandchildren: Nicholas and Travis Gill and Reghan Krumbine. Garry leaves behind his brother, Roger Thielen of Milk River, Alberta as well as many extended family members and friends.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Dec. 28, 2017 at Walton’s Funerals & Cremations, 875 W. Second Street, Reno, NV 89503.

In lieu of flowers we’re asking that donations be made in Garry’s name to the Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum at nvdm.org or by calling (775)786-1000.

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