Brock Raymond Thielbar, age 60, of Luverne, died Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026, at his home.
Brock was born on Aug. 17, 1965, in Coon Rapids, Minn., to Jennifer and Richard Thielbar. At eight years old, he moved to the Hardwick area where he lived with his mother, his father Arlyn (Skinny) Kiebach, and his brother Bart. Brock attended Luverne High School and graduated in 1983; he later attended Southwest State University and the University of Minnesota Morris.
Brock enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard in 1986. Served in both infantry and artillery units. Served for 23 years earning the rank of E8/1SG. Deployed overseas for active-duty service in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2003-2004. Brock’s unit was stationed in England. He also served 22 months (16 months in Iraq) during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2005-2007 with the 1-125 FA under the 34th Brigade Combat Team. (Red Bulls) Brock completed many training and professional development courses during his service. He also received many awards over his career that included the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star. Brock honorably retired from the National Guard in 2009.
In addition to serving his country, Brock lived a life of service to his local community. Brock served on the Hardwick Fire Department for nearly 20 years. He also contributed to countless construction efforts throughout the local area, including redoing the brick steps to the historic Manitou building in downtown Luverne. Brock was a firm believer in God and in our Savior, Jesus Christ. He never gave up on anyone or anything and always stepped in to help a family member, friend, or neighbor in need.
Brock was also competitive and loved many types of sport. Foremost was his love of pool; he played in multiple leagues and earned numerous trophies throughout his life. He also enjoyed hunting with family and friends, riding motorcycle, gardening, cooking and perfected his prime rib on the smoker. One of his greatest joys was fishing, especially when he could spend those quiet hours on the water with his beloved wife Jill by his side. Brock naturally brought good humor to every setting. He could always be found sharing laughter with family and friends wherever he was.
Brock was most proud of his family. He met the long-awaited love of his life, Jill, on July 2, 2011, and married her exactly three years later. Many of his most treasured memories were spent with her, his four children, and his stepson.
Brock is survived by his wife, Jill; his mother, Jennifer Kiebach (Luverne); four children, Brooke Thielbar (De Smet, S.D.), Levi Thielbar (Luverne), Luke Thielbar (Sioux Falls, S.D.), Bridget Thielbar (Luverne); one stepson, Jared Jose (Luverne) and special friend Abbey; his brother, Bart Thielbar, and sister-in-law, Paula (Luverne); nieces Savanna Thielbar and husband Michael (Lakeville), Sydney Thielbar and special friend Paul (Minneapolis); his half-sister, Heather Schiefert (Maple Grove, Minn.) and her fiancé David Voss; father and mother-in-law Jerry and Karen Minett (Ruthton) his brothers-in law; Joel Minett and sister-in-law Karen (Ruthton), Jeff Minett and sister-in-law Tracey (Ruthton) and their families. Along with numerous extended family and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Skinny Kiebach, and his grandparents, Rolland and Helen Poisson, Harold (Skinny) and Louise Kiebach, and Fay and Gladys Thielbar.
Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at the First Presbyterian Church in Luverne; and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. Funeral was at 11 a.m. Friday at the First Presbyterian Church, in Luverne, officiated by Chaplain Corey Bjertness. Burial with full military honors was at 2 p.m. on Friday at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Sioux Falls, S.D.
Dingmann Funeral home in Luverne was in charge of arrangements.
