Alvin "Budd" Thies

Alvin Budd Thies, known to friends and family as Budd or Buddy, passed away September 7, 2026, at 83 years old.

Budd was born July 28, 1943, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, to Beulah (Satorius) McCann, but spent most of his life in the Fox River Valley area. He was a graduate of Fox Valley Lutheran High School. 

Budd was a hard worker who put himself through college at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, later building a career as an insurance claims adjuster. He volunteered at the Freedom House Pantry, where he was affectionately known as "the milk man" for procuring all the necessary milk. He was known for being easy to talk to, always ready with a corny joke — fitting, since he had an affinity for sweet corn. He had a lifelong love of dogs, kids, deer hunting, and classic cars.

Budd shared his later years with his devoted partner, Shirley Beck, who was by his side through thick and thin. The family is also grateful to Rhea Poa for her loving care of Budd.

He is survived by his daughters, Gina Skolaski (Thies) and Sarah Thies; his son, Jeff Thies; grandson, Corbin Skolaski; sisters Chyra Trost and Dawneanne Riker; and his partner, Shirley Beck.

He was preceded in death by his father, Alvin Thies Sr. and mother Beulah McCann.

A visitation will be held from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m., followed by a service at 3:00 p.m., both at Westgor Funeral Home, 205 West Doty Avenue, Neenah, WI 54966, (920) 722-7151.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to Freedom Center Food Pantry, 1110 S. Oneida Street, Appleton, WI 54914, (920) 412-7582, freedom-from-hunger.org.

Look for Budd's influence this football season — if the Packers go all the way, you'll know who was pulling strings from above!