Howard J. Thiessen

Howard James Thiessen passed away unexpectedly on April 14, 2026, at the age of 6.

Howard was born in Wichita, Kansas, on December 5, 2019, to Scott and Ruth Thiessen. He had an outgoing and friendly personality and enjoyed talking with friends and relatives of all ages. He loved life, loved people, and was endeared to everyone who knew him. Howard’s bright eyes and sweet smile brought light into the room when he walked in. His maturity in thought and conversation was beyond his years, and he made an impression on the lives of all those around him. Howard enjoyed participating in Adventure Club at church and was two Bible verses away from completing his current book. This would have been annoying to him after working so hard all year. His exact words about this would likely have been, “What a hassle!” He also enjoyed first grade and was preparing to play the air guitar at his end-of-year school program.

Howard was a helpful young man and was always looking for a way to use his Swiss Army knife to complete a task. His dad looked for opportunities for him to open boxes and other handy uses for his first pocket knife. Howard really enjoyed these opportunities as well as dissecting every type of plant. He was so excited about his knife that he took it along to church one Wednesday evening. When the teacher noticed him showing it to some of the other children, his mom was called over, so the knife could be placed into safekeeping until after church. He also endeavored to “help” his mom with her busy workload by giving both of his sisters haircuts one day. She was quite surprised by this unexpected occurrence and spent a notable amount of time trying to correct the result of his well-meaning efforts.

Last summer, Howard trusted Jesus as his Savior from sin during the week of Vacation Bible School. A Bible verse that meant a lot to him was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” Howard would want us to know about God’s great love. Because of this love, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to live a holy life here on earth so He could die for our sins on the cross. The best news is that on the 3rd day, Jesus didn’t stay in the grave, but He rose again to make the way for those who believe in Him to have eternal life. Howard’s faith is an example for us. God promises eternal life for those who believe, and God always keeps His promises.

Like his father and grandfather, Howard had a love for all things farming: tractors, implements, crops, and livestock. His favorite shows to watch were related to farming, and his favorite place to be was outside with his dad and grandpa, soaking up every possible moment. On the way home from church, Howard loved to look at the fields. When they would stop to look at the soil and roots, he was delighted whenever he would see an earthworm. He would whisper, “Look, Dad, one of our little friends that helps the soil!” He always said it in a whisper so he wouldn’t scare the worm.

Howard was a creative builder with Legos. Whenever he received a new set, he would build it and enjoy it for about 3 days before he repurposed the pieces into his own creations. He frequently modified them as he found ways to make improvements and was very excited to show others what he had made.

Howard’s memory will be cherished by his parents: Scott and Ruth, his sisters: Edith and Katherine, his grandparents: David and Janene Thiessen and Debbie Orpin, great-grandparents: Robert and Frances Thiessen and Stan and Imogene Carlisle, aunts and uncles: Danny (Laura) Orpin, Randy (Bethany) Orpin, Robby (Holly) Orpin, Christy (Jack) Newland, Doug (Laura) Orpin, Stephen (Shannon) Orpin, Jonathan (Julianne) Orpin, Rachel Orpin, Charles Orpin, Emily (Jon) Yates, and Tyler (Abigail) Thiessen, as well as many cousins and friends. Howard was preceded in death by his grandpa: Chuck Orpin, and great-grandparents: Clarence and Ruth Orpin and Gayle and Twila Lenstrom.

To honor Howard's love for farming and the outdoors, the family invites those attending the viewing and memorial service to dress comfortably in simple work or farming attire. Feel free to wear your favorite work shirts, denim, bib overalls, and boots - just as Howard would have wanted.

A family viewing will be at 4:30 PM followed by a public viewing and visitation from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, Monday, April 20, 2026, at Cornerstone Bible Church (224 S. Maple St., McPherson, KS 67460). A public graveside service will be held at 9:00 AM, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Garden Community Church (6520 N. Halstead Rd., Moundridge, KS 67107) followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM, at Grace Bible Church (1221 E. 33rd Ave., Hutchinson, KS 67502).

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be payable to Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460 or given electronically through the crowdfunding link below.