ROBERT L. THEDINGER

1922 - 2018

ROBERT L. THEDINGER Robert L Thedinger, born Aug. 13, 1922 in St. Joseph, MO, departed this life March 18, 2018. Preceded in death by his parents Helen and L.C. Thedinger, sister Eileen, and granddaughter Therese. He attended Christian Brothers High School. While attending St. Mary College in Winona, MN, he enlisted in the Marine Corps and served as a Captain during World War II. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. While attending the University, he met Marlys Enabnit who was attending Christian College in Columbia, MO. They were married in the St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church on July 4, 1947. Robert's professional life was in the seed and related businesses. He was with Rudy Patrick Seed Company in Kansas City, MO, from 1946 to 1970. In 1970, he founded and was President of Research Seeds, Inc., which became one of the leading research and forage companies in the seed industry. He was a past president of the Missouri Seedsmen's Association, the Western Seed Association and the American Seed Trade Association. He was a past chairman of the World Seed Congress. Robert was involved in many church, civic and charitable organizations - The Equestrian Order of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher, Conception Abby, Board of Governor's American Royal, President and board member the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art, board member of the Missouri Western State University Foundation, UMB Bank Northwest, Friends of St. Joseph Parks, St. Joseph Symphony, and St. Joseph Downtown Rotary Club. He and wife chaired the restoration of the St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church and the building addition to the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art. He is survived by his wife Marlys and five children - Robert S. (Patricia); Bradley (Roys); Britt (Kelly); Bart; and Stephanie Fitzgerald (Joseph); along with 18 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. Parish Rosary 4:30 p.m. Friday, St. Ann's Catholic Church, Prairie Village, KS, where the family will receive friends from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Saturday, St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church. Interment in Mount Olivet Cemetery, St. Joseph, MO, where military services will be held under the auspices of the Marine Corps League. Services under the direction of Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family suggests memorial gifts to St. Joseph Cathedral Catholic Church or St. Ann's Catholic Church, Prairie Village, KS. Online guest book and obituary at www.meierhoffer.com