Timothy William Thissen

Born on February 13, 1952, in Hillsboro, Kansas, Tim was the son of the late Bernard J. and Marjorie J. (Stead) Thissen. Tim graduated from Kingman High School, Kansas in 1970 as an all-around lettered athlete and academic scholar. After high school, he accepted a football scholarship at Wichita State University (WSU). In 1970 some of the WSU football team were tragically killed in a plane crash. Tim was then selected to play with the first string. When Tim would talk about this experience, he reminisced with sadness and humbleness as he felt honored to be able to represent his team. He played in the first game after the tragedy as an underclassman against the Arkansas Razorbacks. He scored the first touchdown as a freshman making the stadium crowd roar.

Tim moved to Vail, Colorado soon after his stint at WSU to work in construction. Some of his fondest memories came, not only from these times, but from his childhood as well. Tim then moved to Greeley. While starting his family, he worked in construction and as a tutor at Aims Community College. He also boarded horses. He eventually started TCC construction developing and building commercial properties. His work ethic, “get it done,” and never-give-up approach to life not only in work, but also with things he enjoyed, were respected by family and friends. He gave back to the Greeley community by being on the NCMC Foundation Board, Water Board, and the Poudre River Trail Board.

Tim’s zest for life and positive attitude influenced those around him and were contagious. He loved attending rodeos and taking family and friends to experience the thrill of rodeo events. He was a great cook and BBQ griller and had a taste for, and interest in, fine wines. Tim’s kind, giving, and sweet personality meant that he made friends with just about everyone he met. He always made sure everyone had a good time and felt included. He loved being outdoors and worked incredibly hard to make his yard and garden beautiful. In quieter moments, when not spending time with family and friends, Tim loved to read. Tim thoroughly enjoyed and relished spending time with his grandkids and taking them on rides in “The Gator”. After retirement, Tim enjoyed time with his wife, Holly, doing anything in the outdoors, traveling to Costa Rica and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Tim is survived by his wife Holly; blended children, Molly (Mike) Spady of Santa Rosa, CA, Hilary (Tom) Courtright of Oak Creek, CO, Destri (Ricky) Johnson of Evans, CO, Darian (Stacia) Guerrero of Ft Collins, CO, and Diamond Guerrero (Tommy) of Ft Collins, CO; grandchildren Maya, Lucca, Susannah, Eleanor, Ryker, Atlas, Hewytt and Tilly; brother’s Stephen J. Thissen of Avon, CO and Brian L (Therese) Thissen of Chandler, AZ; sisters, Kathryn J. Thissen of Kingman, KS and Teresa Kay (Jerry) Hartley of Kingman, KS; and his four-legged friends, Blue, Bumble, Kita, and Fausti.

In addition to his parents, Tim was pre-deceased by his beloved aunts, Helen and Marie Anderson of Kingman, KS.

A reception and a Celebration of Life for Tim will be held on May 18, 2024, 11:00 AM – 2 PM at the Poudre Learning Center, 8313 West F Street, Greeley, CO 80631. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, NCMC, 1801 16th St, Greeley or Pathways Hospice, 4075 W 11th St, Greeley.