Jerold "Jerry" Thiessen

Obituary

Jerold Leroy Thiessen was the third of four children born to John and Gertrude Thiessen on March 6, 1937 in a humble one-room cabin with a dirt floor. He grew up alongside his siblings—Mildred, John (Jack), and Wanda—learning early the values of hard work, resilience, and respect for the natural world.

On March 25, 1960, he married Stella June Williamson, lovingly known as June. Their marriage spanned 65 devoted years, a partnership built on love, commitment, and purpose that endured until his passing on January 30, 2026.

He graduated from the University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in wildlife biology and dedicated his life to the protection and preservation of wildlife in Idaho. Passionate about education, he worked tirelessly to promote knowledge and appreciation of land and wilderness. He served the Idaho Fish and Game Department for 25 years, ultimately retiring as the regional department director for District 2.

Following his retirement, he continued his life’s mission by founding Wildlife Tomorrow, pursuing business ventures focused on maintaining, preserving, and supporting wildlife and wilderness education. Among his proudest accomplishments was the publication of his book, Idaho Wildlife, a lasting contribution to the field he loved.

He was known as a strong, proud, energetic, and deeply respectable man whose dedication to conservation and education left a meaningful legacy. He is survived by his beloved wife, June; his daughters, Sherrie and Tamra; and many beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Gallery

Memory wall

March 1, 2026

June & family,
Jerry was a true champion for Idaho and its wildlife. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss.

Sue Henderson

February 24, 2026

Jerry was a respected leader and a dear friend to many within our agency. He ensured that the history of wildlife management, along with the wildlife itself, would be preserved for future generations. On behalf of the entire Idaho Department of Fish and Game family, we extend our deepest condolences to June and the entire Thiessen family

Jim Fredericks, Director, IDFG

February 24, 2026

I worked with Jerry on his ground-breaking history of wildlife management in Idaho. I thought we’d never get the book done, because Jerry was constantly wanting to go over each chapter again and again. He didn’t want an error on any page! Every verb had to agree with every noun! It was a clear sign of the dedication he had shown throughout his Fish and Game career to doing what was best for wildlife. The book was a work of a lifetime, for he had done deep-dive research the entire time he worked hands-on as a wildlife manager. My advice: Just read the book! You’ll never look at wildlife the same way again.

Royce A. Williamjs

February 22, 2026

Our family has so many wonderful memories with your family. I was so sad to hear of his passing. Mom died last September in case you hadn’t heard. My thoughts are with you all. I hope Jerry and dad have found each other in heaven. Love to you all.

Jodi Pogue Turner

Farewell Party