Michael Dean Thieme earned his Celestial Master Captain's license after a three-year battle with Pancreatic Cancer. His beautiful spirit left his body on the morning of September 27, 2012 at South Lyon Medical Center in Yerington, Nevada. His wife, Maranne, and daughter Kelley, were by his side when he traded in his 71-year-old body to sail on God's fair seas.

Michael was born in Oakland, California to Marion Alice Thieme and Herbert Charles Thieme, Jr., and grew up beside the San Francisco Bay in Marin County, CA. Michael often described Richardson Bay as his playground. He graduated from Mt. Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley and earned an AA degree in Psychology from the College of Marin.

Michael was an Electrician's Mate in the Coast Guard, retired after 30 years from a multitude of positions at Pacific Gas and Electric, and held a 100-ton Coast Guard Captain's license. He taught sailing, did yacht deliveries, raced at the sailboat nationals in Annapolis, MD, and particularly loved the 10 years he and Maranne lived on their 37-foot cutter rigged sailboat, Touching Sky, in the Sausalito Yacht Harbor. Before his illness was diagnosed in 2009, Michael was a member of the Smith Valley Rotary, the Smith Valley Alumni Association, and was treasurer for the Lyon County Friends of the Library. Michael was a handy, do-it-yourself kind of guy who loved listening to jazz while he worked outside or in the garage, and kept Thomas Jefferson-like records on all his vehicles. He was also an amazing cook whose bran muffin recipe was famous among friends and neighbors to whom he delivered the treats.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Marion Thieme, his father, Herb Thieme, his faithful dog, Spencer, and favorite cat, Grady.

Michael's family wants to especially thank Dr. Dietrich von Feldmann for not just his medical expertise, but his ongoing friendship, and Nurse Sissy at South Lyon Medical Center for her years of care up to, and past, Michael's final moment. The family is also forever thankful to Smith Valley neighbors and friends, for keeping their home and critters warm and safe, running to the scene when 9-1-1 calls were made, and for all the amazing meals that have been delivered over the last three years. And finally, enormous thanks to the Smith Valley Volunteer Fire Department who responded to so many emergency calls and treated Michael so professionally and yet, tenderly.

Michael's survivors include: Maranne Thieme, best friend and wife of 21 years; Sean Thieme, son; Ken Thieme, son; Robin Thieme Domer, daughter; Kelley Thieme, daughter; Jeannie Sims, sister; Nicole Melanson, granddaughter; Hayley Domer, granddaughter; Kelsey Domer, granddaughter; Lucas Melanson, great-grandson; Ray Pendleton, brother-in-law, Michelle Pendleton, sister-in-law; beloved dogs Toesie, Lucy, and Phoebe; beloved cat, Maggie; and beloved horses, Lilly, Raj, and Sage.

Celebrations of life will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Michael's name to the Yerington Animal Protection Society: YAPS, P.O. Box 14, Yerington, NV 89447.

Family and Friends are invited to sign his online guest book at www.FRFH.net, also sympathy cards may be sent directly to his wife, Maranne from this site.

Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home 25 Hwy 208 Yerington was in charge of the arrangements and cremation.