Michael (Mike) Marvelin Thyberg passed away suddenly from a heart attack Sunday, March 2 at Sanford Medical Center in Bismarck. Funeral service will be 10:30AM Saturday, March 8, 2025, at First Lutheran Church, Washburn, ND. Visitation will be at 9:30 AM at the church. Burial will be in Birka Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Washburn. The service will be livestreamed at, https://vimeo.com/showcase/11484597/video/1063013810.

He was born on October 27, 1942, in Bismarck, ND, to Marvelin and Amanda (Laib) Thyberg. Mike grew up on the family homestead northwest of Washburn, ND where he attended Birka Church and graduated from Washburn High School in 1960. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering from North Dakota State University.

Mike married Judy Ann Jacobson, and together they embarked on a life of service, joining the Peace Corps and moving to Thailand. There, Mike worked as a Water Engineer, assisting villages with irrigation, agricultural development, drainage, water supply, and sanitation efforts. During this time, they welcomed their first child, Tanna. He took great pride in his Peace Corps service and the impact he had on the communities he worked with.

After completing their service, Mike and Judy traveled extensively before settling in Bigfoot, IL, and later Walworth, WI, where they welcomed their second child, Todd. Mike worked as an engineer for Starline, Inc., designing farm equipment. In 1974, they moved back to North Dakota to be closer to family, Mike joined Melroe Clark Equipment Company in Bismarck, and they welcomed their third child, Travis. Over the years, he contributed to numerous engineering projects, including new designs for the Spra-Coupe. Throughout his career, he also worked as an engineering consultant and contractor, always staying busy with a variety of projects that reflected his ingenuity and dedication. As an entrepreneur, he enjoyed co-owning the Washburn Redi-Mix for several decades, providing concrete services for much of the area around Washburn.

Mike was deeply involved in his community, serving on the county weed board, was the current president of the rural fire department board, served as a volunteer firefighter, cared for the Basto and Conklin Cemeteries throughout the years, and previously served as president of the First Lutheran Church Council.

His love for the family farm never faded. He found joy in farming, creating, redesigning, and fixing things. He was passionate about "puttering," toolmaking, blacksmithing, and forging. Whether he was working on a project or simply tinkering in his or anyone's shop, Mike's mind and hands were always busy.

Above all, he cherished time spent with family and friends. He loved road trips and "Sunday drives" on country roads, always eager for an adventure. Known for his quick wit and infectious humor, he was a natural storyteller who not only shared his own tales but delighted in hearing the stories of others. His greatest joy came from making those around him smile and laugh.

Mike's legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the stories he shared, and the laughter he inspired.

He is survived by his sister, Perry (David) Riden (Chad, Kirk, and Eric); his children, Tanna (Erik) Wagner; Todd (Laura Bice) Thyberg; and Travis Thyberg; grandchildren, Andrew (Taylor) Wagner, Allie (Jason) Burke; three great-grandchildren; extended family and dear friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents.