Edward Bernard Thien, Jr. September 10, 1943 – February 14, 2026
Edward "Ed" Bernard Thien, Jr., a man who never met a story he couldn't tell or a joke he couldn't share, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.
Born in St. Louis on September 10, 1943, to Edward Sr. and Marguerite (Stanton) Thien, Ed grew up in St. Louis and Berkeley, Missouri, alongside his sisters, Gail and Lynne. He carried that local spirit throughout his life, becoming known for his "gift of gab" and his ability to brighten any room with his fun-loving spirit.
Ed's life was defined by his 52 years of devoted marriage to his beloved wife, JoAnn (Shebetta) Thien, who preceded him in death. Together, they built a life rooted in faith and family. Ed was a supportive and loving father to his son, Bradley, and a caring father-in-law to Kenneth McLaughlin. He remains a beloved figure to his nieces and nephews (Diane Luken (Linn) and husband Tom, Stephen Linn and wife Anzhela, Therese Hetland (Linn) and husband Gary, David Linn, Mary Langhill (Linn) and husband Bob), and his lifelong friends, Jim Franklin, Rick Cheney, and Chuck Fish (deceased).
A celebration of Ed's life will be held at 11:00 AM on April 7, 2026, at St. Ann Catholic Church (7530 Natural Bridge Rd, St. Louis). Following the mass, Ed and JoAnn will be remembered together at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Florissant (980 Graham Road).
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Ann Catholic Church or the American Diabetes Association, honoring Ed's memory and his spirit of giving.