Kanda Thiede

Kanda Thiede’s life was defined by sacrifice, unconditional love, and an unwavering devotion to her family.

Kanda Thiede was born on August 17, 1941, in Bangkok, Thailand, the third of six children born to Jinda and Luang Lahfahroengron. She grew up in an affluent family where cooks, maids, and a driver cared for the household, yet she was happiest outdoors, exploring the family gardens and pond, returning home with muddy feet or sneaking away to ride the public bus into the city with friends. Independent from an early age, she was always ready for her next adventure.

Although her family practiced Buddhism, they enrolled her in a Catholic convent school in hopes of instilling a little more discipline. She found a circle of friends who remained among her closest companions for more than 70 years, welcoming her home whenever she returned to Thailand and, even in recent years, kept her connected through regular calls, photos, and videos.

After high school, Kanda attended college, taught school, and began working at an embassy in Bangkok. There she met Russ Thiede, a U.S. Air Force sergeant stationed in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Their love story was not an easy one. Her father, a retired, awarded General and pilot in the Royal Thai Air Force, strongly opposed his daughter marrying an American serviceman, and her family did not attend their simple wedding in November 1970. But love has a way of changing hearts, and after the birth of their first child, Susanne, her family came to know and love Russ as one of their own.

In marrying Russ, Kanda made the greatest sacrifice of her life. She left behind her father, siblings, lifelong friends, and the only home she had ever known to begin a new life in America. They continued their married life in Omaha, Nebraska, before moving to Shreveport, Louisiana, where their son Mike was born. After Russ was discharged, they settled in Horicon, Wisconsin, near his family.

Life in America was a world away from the one Kanda had known, but she embraced it and learned to cook, bake, sew, garden, drive, and create a home filled with warmth and love. She cherished returning to Thailand every few years to visit her family and treasured welcoming relatives into her home over the years.

Kanda became an exceptional cook of both Thai and American food. Family and friends loved her fried rice, homemade breads, cookies, strawberry jam, and other treats. She and Russ spent hours gardening together, growing vegetables that were always shared with others. Whether cooking a meal, sewing her grandchildren’s Halloween costumes and pajamas, or mending clothes, Kanda found joy in staying busy.

Nothing brought Kanda greater joy than being “Grandma K.” Her grandchildren were the light of her life. She loved caring for them and attending their activities. She also had a lifelong love of her dogs.

Kanda worked for many years at Beatrice in Mayville while dedicating herself to raising her family. She was a long-time member of the Horicon Women’s Club. She enjoyed walking, regular coffee and lunch dates with friends, shopping, and later, life on Beaver Dam Lake.

Seven years ago, Kanda suffered a stroke with a small chance of survival, but after months of hospitalization and rehabilitation, she returned home. Dementia slowly took away many of the abilities she once treasured. Throughout it all, Russ remained faithfully by her side, caring for her with extraordinary love and devotion until her final day.

On July 23, 2026, Kanda passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by Russ, her children, family, and the compassionate care of hospice.

Kanda is lovingly survived by her husband of nearly 56 years, Russ; daughter Susanne (Tom) Barnet; son Mike (Heidi) Thiede; grandchildren Madi (Jacob), Tori, Owen, Riley, Kensington, Abby, and Brandon (Katie); great granddaughter Stella; three sisters; and many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Kanda’s life on Saturday, August 1, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church (Highway 26, Burnett). Visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. A luncheon will follow at Burnett Junction (former Burnett Hall), one block from the church.

Memorials may be directed to Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, where Kanda was baptized 30 years ago, worshiped with her family, and served as a member of the Ladies Quilting Club.

Kanda’s adventurous spirit, resilient heart, and selfless devotion to others will continue to live on through the family she cherished and in all who were blessed to know her.