Doris Lou Thiemann

Doris Lou Thiemann, 84, of North Little Rock passed away July 24, 2023. She was born August 12, 1938 in Ewing, Nebraska to the late Melvin and Vivian (Pollock)  Gunter.

The only child of Melvin & Vivian Gunter, Doris graduated Orchard, NE high school in 1955 and entered Wayne State Teachers College before transferring to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln in 1957, where she later completed her degree in Business Education.

She met Otto Thiemann in college, and they wed in 1960.  Children Stan, Robin, and Ann were born in Lincoln, NE.  A job transfer brought the family to Arkansas in 1970.  Christmas and summer trips visiting family in Nebraska followed for many years.  Other fun vacation destinations included The World’s Fair Knoxville, Fairfield Bay, Denver, Mt Rushmore, and a great Disney Cruise in 2002 that included the next generation too.

Despite impressive qualifications Doris accepted only part-time work as a book keeper in order to focus on her family.  She was a cherished wife and mother always ready for a game or sharing a book.  Family albums are full of graduations, family vacations, and weddings.

Grandchildren: Jessica, Beth, Paul, Haley, Hannah, Rachel & Grace

These reflections streamed in from family members:

• “Doris was a leader in any church she attended, a wonderful grandma & the best mother-in-law ever.” 
• “A devoted Christian and one of the strongest women I know.”
• “She loved her family, her cats and puzzles.”

“It’s taken me a few days to make this post and find the words to describe the loss of my amazing and one-of-a-kind grandmother. I cannot think of a single time that I walked into her home and she didn’t have food to offer, a new game to play, or a puzzle to piece together. My childhood was filled with Chuck E Cheese trips, card and board game tournaments, plays and musicals, trips, and themed jello for the holidays. Not a single birthday or accomplishment would pass without a card detailing the things that were going on with the family at the time. I know I have her to thank for my love of thrifting and fierce competitive streak. Once Jasper came along, she always had something new for him to play with and she would love to just watch him torment, I mean play with, her cats. She was thoughtful, sassy, and so caring, even when she was demolishing you at Joker. To know her was to be loved, fed, and prayed for and I am beyond blessed to have had her as my grandmother for 28 years. It wasn’t enough time, but I know she is playing it up in heaven and I’ll get to see her again. Love you always Gramcrackers!”

“… and the part where we would put on the costumes grandma provided for us (garage sales) and put on performances for her and the rest of the family into the wee hours of the night. And when she bought us every piece of the Littlest Pet Shop merchandise so we could scatter the tiny pieces all over the floor. And then there were handmade Barbie clothes for the Barbie collection she kept for us. The life size doll heads and stealing the scissors to give them haircuts. Using the computer to message boys after the dial up modem connected.  Or when she bought the grandchildren a HOT TUB???? Climbing to the top of the VHS home movie shelf so we could watch Titanic and “Walk Away the Pounds for Abs.”  And more recently, when we got her to play Cards Against Humanity with us. Our biggest supporter forever!”

“My grandma, Doris Thiemann, was so much to me. I got the blessing to live with my grandparents twice before for short periods of time. We did not always agree about everything. But no matter our differences, Grandma would make sure anyone who stepped foot in her house was fed until not another bite could even be imagined. I’ll always hold onto our time playing board games, seeing shows, trips to Destin, hearing the latest about every person at her church and in the family over the phone, and early morning weekends hitting up the best garage sales in town. My grandma was strong, stubborn, supportive, caring, nurturing, giving, charitable, and had a wonderful sense of humor. I wish I could hear her nagging my dad one more time with a sarcastic remark or nagging my grandpa about “Acing and Eighting” while playing one of our favorite board games full of laughter. My grandma was one face I always looked forward to seeing after a show. She was so proud of my performing. I do not know the next time I will get to be on a stage grandma, but just know that performance is all for you. My heart is heavy and I feel the numbness from losing so much love in my life so quickly. Please share good thoughts for my family. The ripples of these two losses will be felt for some time. I love you with my whole heart Grandma and Miss Julie.”

Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM, on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at First United Methodist Church, North Little Rock.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR  72114.  501-758-1170.