David Allen Thibodeau, died at home on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at age 90. He fought cancer with the same fierce courage and determination that allowed him to survive in prisoner of war camp in Germany during WWII. He was born May 4, 1925. His parents were Lawrence E. Thibodeau and Marion G. (Mogan) Thibodeau. His mother died when he was seven. After graduating from Peshtigo High School, he volunteered for the service. He was a forward artillery observer in the army during World War II, and served three years in the European Theatre. He was taken prisoner of war and held near Dresden, Germany for many months under horrific conditions. After a short period of reenlistment after recovering from his war-related illnesses and return to the states, he attended college at the University of Wisconsin. He graduated with a B.S. in English in 1951 and years later completed course work in social work.

While working as a high school English teacher in Orangeville, IL he met Helen Schmid of Monroe and they married on August 14, 1955. Later, he took a job with Marinette County as a social worker, and the couple relocated to Marinette in 1957.

They purchased a farm house on Dahl Road where he lived the rest of his life.

David was active as an actor in local theatre, helped with 4-H when his children were members, sang in the choir at his church, served as a representative at district and state meetings for his church, and was a skilled harmonica player. He was truly a member of the "greatest generation." Once he retired from Marinette County after 32 years of service, he took a part time job at the Peshtigo Times, where he became the state's "Oldest Cub Reporter," for many more years of work which he greatly enjoyed. Part of his work included a monthly column "The Old Timer" which he continued to write until age 87.

David always took an active interest in local high school sports, the Green Bay Packers, current events and politics, and loved observing the wildlife in his neighborhood. While he couldn't sit still long enough to hunt or fish, he loved the outdoors. He also had a soft spot for dogs and cats, and enjoyed not only those who shared his life and home but doted on his "grand-dogs and grand-cats." He appreciated great literature and was an avid reader and published poet.

He loved to tell stories and had a great sense of humor. He was still riding his bicycle at age 88, and played softball into his late 50's.

He was also a very compassionate man, advocating for the poor and downtrodden his whole life. A product of the depression, he knew what it was to live hard times.

David is survived by his family; his wife of 60 years, Helen; his daughters, Janie (Michael) Martin of Bixby, Oklahoma; Amy of Marinette and Laura of Oregon, WI; and his son, Albert (Heather) of Madison; three grandsons, Andrew and Aaron Peterson of Marinette and Sam (Rachel) Martin, PhD, of Tulsa, OK; a granddaughter, Angela Martin of Dallas, TX; his sister, Mrs. Richard (Donna) Baldwin of Waukesha; his brother-in-law and wife, Bill and Joan Schmid of Monroe; a sister-in-law, Mrs. Edward (Mary) Schmid, and many cousins, nieces and nephews. David is also survived by many friends from his school years, his work, his church family and his neighborhood on Dahl Road.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Mrs. William (Avis) LeFebvre; and a step-sister, Mrs. Ruth Barker.

Visitation and funeral services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 28, at the First Presbyterian Church in Menominee, MI (923 5th St.). Visitation will begin at 11:00 am with the funeral service at 1:30 pm. Berth and Rosenthal Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bay Area Cancer Care Center, First Presbyterian Church or Unity Hospice who supported David and his family on this journey.