Herman Henry (Hank) Thiessens

By Golden V. Adams, Emeritus AG^R

Note: In the last HTFA Heritage Matters, many of the challenges Hank faced in his early years were revealed.  He triumphed over them in the remaining years of his life and, as one of his nephews, Daniel Sheldon, expressed upon receiving the last newsletter, quoted here: “I have to say great job on the research of Uncle Hank. He was one of my favorite uncles and we loved him dearly. My mom told me he had been in prison but added that no one knew why. I ask Aunt Ruth if she knew but I got the same response. I think someone knew but they were protecting their brother, maybe or maybe not I don't care. He was a good man. . . . I am glad I know now, kind of gives me a grin now that I know the rest of the story.”

His granddaughter, Kristine Hansen, also responded giving us additional information regarding him.  Thank you for your responses.  It is good to know someone is reading Heritage Matters.

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In the last 55 years of his life, Hank was known in his community as someone who would help anyone. Up until his later years, he was known to shovel sidewalks and help neighbors. He was an expert at gardening and could make rose bushes bloom in amazing ways.
He worked at Cactus & Tropicals down the street from his home for several years. He loved his family deeply and was always striving to have them over for family dinners. He enjoyed BBQs and sitting in the backyard, enjoying his garden and the birds which he enjoyed feeding. Even when camping, he would put out a hummingbird feeder. He loved to spend summers up East Canyon.
He loved all his grandchildren and would always hold them and sing to them. But most of all he loved his wife. He always affectionately called her "Mother" and would do anything to see her smile. He even got dressed in a suit (he was never one to dress up, much like his sons) and renewed his wedding vows with her for their 50th wedding anniversary at All Saints Episcopal Church where Phyllis also sang in the choir.

Phyllis Jensen Thiessens Death Notice

1930 – 2015

Our lovely Mother, Sister, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on February 8, 2015. Following husband Hank and son Dennis, she leaves behind a loving family and many friends who will cherish her memory. She is the daughter of Vontess and Keogh Jensen of Redmond, Utah.

Please join us for a short service at St. Marks’ Cathedral on Friday February 20, 2015 at 11:00 am. 231 E 100 S. Salt Lake City. Family and close friends are welcome to gather and reminisce at Phyllis’ home (2246 E. 2700 S. SLC) following the service.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in her name to the Salt Lake Rescue Mission, a charity she supported generously.