Marianne Edith Dorothea Thau was born on June 21, 1927, in Breslau, Silesia, Germany, to Karl August Friedrich Thau and Margareta Franziska Larisch Thau. On July 1, 1927 she was baptized in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Marianne had a remarkable life. She grew up in Nazi Germany but felt that she had a wonderful childhood. At age 10 she was required to join the Nazi Youth Party, or Hitler Youth. Marianne remembered having food rations and coffee made out of grain. At age 18 it became apparent that the war was lost and the Russians were bombing her home town of Breslau. Her family was forced to flee and go into hiding in the attic of a home for Nuns.
After the war was over Marianne sought work as an interpreter on a U.S. Army base, being able to speak English and German. While on the base she met Sgt. Walter Bales, a U.S. Army soldier and after their courtship they planned a wedding which required approval from the Adj. General and the U.S. Government. She married Walter Bales Jr. on June 21, 1948 in Kitzingen, Germany. After their marriage they returned to Walter’s home town in Sheridan and made their life here.
She became engrossed in American life; and was the first Wyoming recipient of The Daughters of the American Revolution Americanism medal, awarded for her “outstanding contributions to our American way of life”.
Marianne and Walter were blessed with four children; Walter (Diane) Bales of Miles City, Montana, Virginia Ellis of Parker, Colorado, Pam (Terry) Marshburn from Arvada, Colorado and Annette (Rick) Hall of Newport, Washington. She has eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
While at Westview Healthcare Center, on Thursday, August 30, 2018, God called Marianne, Age 91, home to rest in the arms of Jesus.
A Funeral service will be held at the Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1300 W. Fifth Street, Sheridan, on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 10:00 am, with Pastor Paul J. Cain officiating. Following the service a graveside will be held at Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Dog & Cat Shelter, 84 E. Ridge Rd., Sheridan, Wyoming 82801.
Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com .
Arrangements are under the direction of Champion Funeral Home.
