Robert Leon Thumann

Robert Leon Thumann, 79, of Zumbrota, passed away peacefully at his home in Goodhue surrounded by his loving family on Monday, May 8, 2023. He was born in Red Wing, MN on November 17, 1943. He was baptized December 31, 1943 at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Red Wing. Bob was confirmed on May 25, 1958 at Christ Lutheran Church in Zumbrota. He graduated from Zumbrota High School in 1962. He served honorably in the United States Army Reserves as a military policeman and received the High Pistol Marksman Award. On September 9, 1967, Robert was united in marriage to Geraldine Gertner at Grace Lutheran Church in Westbrook, MN. Bob worked for the Goodhue County Soil & Water Conservation District and was a Township Assessor. He and his wife, Gerry then owned and operated a dairy farm for over 30 years outside of Zumbrota. After stepping back from farming full time, he worked at Red Wing Shoe Co. and later retired from Foldcraft Co. of Kenyon. He was a very active member of Christ Lutheran Church, serving on various boards and was an usher for 60 years. Bob was a longtime 4-H Adult Leader and a member of the Goodhue County Fair Board for 14 years. He enjoyed polka dancing, land conservation, drawing, and had a strong love for God and his country.

He is survived by his wife, Gerry, of 55 years; five children, Bradley (Marcie) Thumann, Brenda (Steven) Wagenknecht, Colleen (Phillip) Pawlenty, Carmen Thumann, and Marcella (Ryan) Zemke. Grandchildren include Austin (Katie) Thumann, Morgan (David) LeRoux, Reese and Aidan Thumann, Wyatt, Josie, and Laine Sailor. Esther Miriam (Christopher) Hamilton, Andrew, Joshua, Keziah, and Daniel Wagenknecht. Emma, Tyler, and Kailyn Pawlenty. Tenley, Rowan, and Harper Zemke. Seven great-grandchildren. Brother, Dewain (Sharon) Thumann; sister-in-law, Margaret Thumann; in-laws, Gaylene (William) Swanson, Gordon (Crystal) Gertner, and Glenn Gertner; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Verneda Thumann; son, Kevin; brother, Curtis; and in-laws, Gerald and Elaine Gertner.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 12, 2023, at Christ Lutheran Church in Zumbrota. Visitation will be from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Burial will be at the Zumbrota Cemetery immediately following the service. Memorials to Christ Lutheran Church are preferred.