Linus H. Thell

Linus Herman Thell was born October 27, 1935 to John and Della Thell and raised on a dairy farm in Freeport, Minnesota.  After graduating from Melrose High School, he moved to Minneapolis and attended cooking school.  He then entered the military, serving in the Army as a cook, working on the iron ore boats on the Great Lakes. After leaving the Army, he worked at Metro Goldwyn Mayer in Minneapolis where he met his future bride, Mary Jane Max. They were married at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Golden Valley on June 30, 1962.  In their openness to life, Linus and Mary welcomed six unborn children that preceded them to heaven before they were blessed with their three living children Angela, Linus, and Theresa.  Over the years, Linus and Mary’s love was multiplied with the gift of 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild .

Linus then became an apprentice sign painter, the beginning of a long-loved career.  He grew to be a master of his craft, working for various sign companies, Disney World, and eventually owning his own shop.  After retiring, he began driving school bus for St. Louis Park schools.  He enjoyed making each child feel loved with a daily “good morning!” along with his warm smile.

Linus discovered a new passion for black and white photography, particularly of the North Shore around Lake Superior.  He was always hunting, camera-in-hand, for that elusive “moose.”  He would then enjoy hours in his darkroom at home developing, matting, and framing the photos he shot.  Over the years, he was involved in numerous photography clubs, had his art on display in local coffee shops, and shared his works with family, giving them the great gift of his talent to appreciate in their homes as well.  Linus’ other passion was cooking all throughout his life, and he passed this down to his children.  He always looked forward to planning, preparing and serving his traditional German Christmas dinner every year.

Above all else, Linus’ greatest gift was his deep Catholic faith, a profound and intimate relationship with our Lord, and a special devotion to our Blessed Mother Mary.  He lived his childlike faith by his example of humility, and a quiet, cheerful service and sacrifice for others; always putting others first and himself last.  He had a complete trust and total surrender to God’s will, bringing all things to prayer and asking daily, “Lord, what do you think I should do?” He reminded us that we need to give thanks to God in all things, even as he did in his recent illness and physical trials.  Linus relied on the Sacraments and approached every mass with great reverence.  He always dressed in suit and tie, knowing he was taking part in the Banquet; receiving Jesus in a most intimate way in the Eucharist.  He also spent many hours with Our Lord in Eucharistic Adoration, served the Church as eucharistic minister, lector, and usher, and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. Family and friends will greatly miss his sense of humor and joyful presence but rejoice in knowing he is Home. “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of your master.” – Mt 25:23.

Linus passed away November 14, 2017. He is survived by wife, Mary Jane; children, Angela Kearns, Linus J. Thell (Melanie) and Theresa Gendreau (Jeff); grandchildren, Madeleine Okamoto, Quinlan Kearns; Emilie, Sierra, Lucy and Natalie Thell; Matthew, Anna, Elizabeth, Joseph, Mary Grace, Luke, Cecilia, Lucia and Leo Gendreau ; great grandchild, Kinsley Klisiewisz; brother, Charlie Thell (Patsy), sister, Carol Berenger(Ralph), sister-in-law Darlene Thell; nieces, nephews and friends.  Preceded in death by parents, John and Della (Notch) Thell; brothers, Jerry and Gerald and sister, Eunice Oswald.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 AM Tuesday, November 21st at St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. John’s Campus, 6 Interlachen Road, Hopkins , MN. Visitation and Rosary one hour prior to mass at the church. Interment St. George’s Cemetery, Long Lake.  In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. John’s Campus for masses to be said for Linus.

Visitation at church beginning at 10 AM

Tuesday, November 21, 2017 11:00 AM

St. Gabriel the Archangel, St. Johns Campus 6 Interlachen Road Hopkins, MN

Visitation at church beginning at 10 AM