John Banks Thiessen

John Banks Thiessen, 73, of Cascade, Idaho, passed away on October 16, 2026, in Boise, Idaho.

John was born on July 18, 1953, in Ontario, Oregon, to Mary and Herbert Thiessen. He grew up in Caldwell, Idaho, where, while still in high school, he met the love of his life, Roxanna Day Thiessen. After Roxie graduated, the two were married on June 9, 1972, beginning a marriage that would span 54 years and a life centered around the family they built together.

John and Roxie lived throughout the Northwest and raised four daughters: Gretchen, Deborah, Jennifer and Katrina. Of all the roles John held throughout his life, being a husband, dad, and Papa were the ones that mattered most to him. He loved his girls fiercely and was incredibly proud of each of them and the lives and families they created.

John spent a significant part of his working years building steel buildings alongside his dad, brother and nephew. He also spent many years working for Schwan’s. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1993, John’s life changed significantly, but his focus remained where it had always been: his family. He became a stay-at-home dad to his youngest daughter, Katie, and later enjoyed the beauty and slower pace of life at his home in Cascade.

John loved the outdoors and the beauty of the place he called home. He loved snowmobiling, spending time at the lake and simply going for a drive. Some of his happiest moments were the simple ones, especially when they involved the people he loved. He particularly enjoyed taking his grandkids along for snowmobile rides. To them, he was Papa, or sometimes simply Pop, and he took great joy in being part of their lives.

He had a funny, sometimes dark sense of humor and a stubborn streak that those who knew him well will certainly remember. But when it came to his family, especially his girls, that stubbornness had a way of giving in. John also valued the many friendships he made throughout his life and especially enjoyed the new friendships he developed during his later years in Cascade.

John wasn’t one for big gestures, but he had his own little ways of making the people he loved feel special. Whether it was an unexpected phone call or something small that let you know he was thinking about you, those moments meant something because they came from him. John loved in his own way, and the people closest to him knew it.

John is survived by his wife of 54 years, Roxie Thiessen; his daughters, Gretchen Gately and her husband, Doug; Deborah Bauer and her husband, Joel; Jennifer Denk and her husband, Derek; and Katrina Ford and her husband, Tyler.

He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchild: Adrianna Wollbrinck and her husband, Troy, and their son, Louis; Megan Bundy and her husband, Brandan, and their children, Benson and Rowyn; Copen and Clay Bauer; Aaron Denk; and John Clark, Chloe Holden, Draxton Ford and Elliana Ford.

John is also survived by his sister, Betty Riley and her husband Tim; many nieces and nephews who loved him deeply; and, in particular, his oldest nephew and best friend, Ron Thiessen, and Ron’s daughter, Nicole Landers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Herbert Thiessen; his older sister, Judy Barningham; and his older brother, Paul Thiessen.

John’s life was not defined by the places he worked or even the challenges he faced. It was defined by the people he loved. For more than five decades, he shared his life with Roxie. He watched four daughters grow into women and build families of their own. He became Papa. He collected friends, memories and plenty of stories along the way.

Those who loved John will remember his humor, his stubbornness, his love of family, his snowmobile rides, and the unmistakable pride he had in his girls. Most of all, they will remember a husband, dad, Papa, brother, uncle and friend who loved his people deeply.

A memorial celebrating John’s life will be held on December 5, 2026, from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at Telaya Winery, 240 E. 32nd St., Garden City, ID 83714. The memorial will be held on the second floor; please note that there is no elevator. Additional parking may be available at Riverside Hotel.