Robert C Therien Jr., obituary portrait — Ludvigsen Mortuary

In Loving Memory

Robert C “Bob”Therien Jr.

Date of Birth October 1, 1944
Passed Away On March 19, 2025
At Age 80 years
Resident of Fremont, NE
Air Force emblem — honoring military service
United States Veteran
United States Air Force
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Robert C. 'Bob' Therien, age 80, of Fremont
Died Wednesday, March 19, 2025 at Methodist Fremont Health

He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, to Rosemary and Robert C. Therien, Sr. Bob graduated from Omaha North High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, in 1966 marrying Janet Erickson the following year. He furthered his studies at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, completing a Master of Fine Arts degree in 1968.

Following his education, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as an operating room specialist at Offutt AFB in Omaha. After his service, he began a long and fulfilling career as a professor of art at Midland Lutheran College. For four decades, he shared his passion for painting, drawing, art history, printmaking, and airbrush techniques with his students. Teaching and mentoring young artists were one of his greatest joys.

Bob's love for creating art began in his youth and remained constant throughout his life. His preferred mediums included oil, watercolor, and graphite. Subject matter varied, contingent on medium. Portraiture, still life, floral, and aquatic scenes, drawing inspiration from the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park, the Lied Jungle at the Henry Doorly Zoo, and Summerhaven Lake. Bob's work thematically tended towards realism, creating compelling scenes capturing the ephemeral nature of light, shadow, translucency, and reflection. His art has earned many awards and is included in collections across the country. Even after retiring from Midland in 2011, he continued to work until his passing.

In addition to his dedication to art, Bob was an avid outdoorsman, cherishing time spent hunting and fishing with friends and his beloved dogs. He was known for his sharp wit, great sense of humor, and fun-loving personality. He brought immense happiness to all of those around him.

Bob will be deeply missed by his wife of 58 years, Jan; his children, Erik (Jill), Alex (Alicia), and Allyson (Matt), grandchildren, and many dear friends, colleagues, and former students.

A celebration of Bob's life will be held July 5, 2025 from 3pm to 5pm at the Fremont Area Art Association (92 W 6th St, Fremont, NE 68025). Memorials can be made to the Fremont Area Art Association or the Alzheimer's Association, or to the organization of the donor's choice.

Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
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Services

Funeral Service

Celebration of Life

Fremont Area Art Association

95 West 6th Street

Fremont, NE, 68025

July 5, 2025

3pm to 5pm

Map ↗
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Condolences (9)

C
Christina Fremont, NE March 31, 2025
"Mrs. Therien I am so sorry for your loss."
K
Kim ( Swanson) Guinn Arvada, CO March 31, 2025
"So very sorry to hear about Bob. He was a colleague of my dad's at Midland, and more importantly, my art professor! As an art major at Midland, I was lucky to experience and enjoy his teaching, mentorship, talent and sense of humor through three semesters of Art History, Design, Drawing, Printmaking, Watercolor and Oil painting classes. In one way or another all of those classes have had an impact on my life, and I thank Bob Therien for his influence, support and encouragement on my college experience. Sending love to his family."
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Christine Lund Northfield, MN March 31, 2025
"Midland was so fortunate to have Bob Therien as a professor. He was so gifted as an artist and a teacher who made lasting connections with students. My parents were very fond of Bob and Jan--and were very grateful for his years of service to Midland.

I'm so sorry for Jan, your children and grandchildren. May memories and love carry you through these sad days.

Chris Lund"
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