Robert John Thede Jr., of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, unexpectedly passed away on March 2, 2026.

Junior was born on August 17, 1971, in Marshalltown, Iowa, to Robert John Thede Sr. and Deborah Lynn Taylor. He grew up in the Tama and Belle Plaine area and attended Belle Plaine High School. Following school, he began his career at Tama Pack. Together with Sheila Trinkle, Junior was blessed with three children. Though Junior and Sheila went their separate ways, the shared love for their children remained constant. Later in 2009, Junior was married and divorced. Throughout his life, Junior worked in a variety of trades, including roofing and other jobs, before eventually returning to his true skill as a butcher.

Junior was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and searching for morel mushrooms each spring. His coonhounds were very important to him, and later in life he found joy in the game of golf. He passed his love of the outdoors on to his children and treasured the time he spent with them—whether it was sharing a cup of coffee at his daughter Tiffany's home, hunting with Justis, or visiting "Stubby" (Justin) and his granddaughter, Maysin who was his world. Junior cherished time with all of his family.

Junior had a big heart and would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need. He had a way of making an impression on everyone he met, when Junior spoke, people listened. He valued family, friendship, and the simple moments in life. Junior cherished his three cats, Marigold, Minnie and Mouse. Though he will be deeply missed, the love he shared and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Junior was a proud and current recovering alcoholic holding nearly two years of sobriety by the time of his passing.

Junior is survived by his father Robert Sr. of Toledo; mother, Deborah of Belle Plaine; sons, Justis Thede of Marion, Justin Thede of Cedar Rapids; daughter, Tiffany (Thede) Hoffman of Cedar Rapids, granddaughter, Maysin Hamor; siblings, Tonya Clark of Belle Plaine, Vince Thede of Marengo, Nick Thede of MO; Lloyd (Amanda) Thede of Williamsburg, Alicia (Colter) of Leon, Abby Thede of Leon and many nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Esther and Charles Marvin, Alyce and Mike Sindt; aunt, Nancy Marvin; nephew, Troy Marvin; niece, Shana Chavez and stepfather, Louie Taylor.

Funeral service is 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026 at Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service, Belle Plaine, IA with visitation one hour prior. Burial will take place at Oak Hill Cemetery, Belle Plaine. Memorials may be directed to the family. Service will also be lived-streamed through the funeral service Facebook page. Hrabak-Neuhaus Funeral Service is assisting the family.