Thain Dikkers, 88, Owatonna
Thain Dikkers went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 13, 2026.
Thain was born March 5, 1938, in Stillwater. He graduated from Lamont High School in Iowa in 1955, and from The University of Sioux Falls in South Dakota in 1959, with degrees in mathematics and science. As a growing boy and young man, Thain enjoyed participating in choir and band at both the high school and college level.
He is survived by his daughter, Chris LeClerc, his son Seann (Stephanie) Dikkers; two grandchildren, Grant Dikkers (Bretta) and Katie Dikkers; and great-grandson, Jonathon Dikkers. He is also survived by six stepchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Virgie and John R. Dikkers; brothers, Roy (Shirley) and Jay Dikkers (Leilani).
Thain served in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964. After his tour of duty, he was employed by Sperry UNIVAC (UNISYS) as a computer systems programmer instructor. During this time, he met and married Joyce L. Brown. They had two children Christine and Seann. Joyce passed away in November 1980. After her death, Thain moved to Madelia, and taught math and physics classes for 26 years.
During this time, he met and married Connie Skramstad. Connie passed away in 2010, after being together for 24 years. After retiring from teaching, he moved to Owatonna, and married Linda Nelson. They were married for 13 years, until she passed away in 2023.
Throughout his life, Thain was active in the Baptist Church. His activities included teaching Adult Sunday School classes, singing in the choirs and in Owatonna, setting up a video system so services could be seen over the Internet. In his younger years, he was active in 4-H with his major project being New Zealand White Rabbits. In high school, he worked on a dairy farm in Lamont, Iowa. After retirement, he remained active repairing and providing computers for people and Grace Baptist School in Mankato.
Thain left a legacy of humility, encouragement, sacrifice, humor, and love for the Good News of Jesus Christ for the glory of God. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." Philippians 1:21.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, 2026, at Grace Baptist Church, 265 26th St. NE., Owatonna. Friends may greet the family 1.5 hours prior to the funeral at church starting at 9:30 a.m. A livestream of the service will be provided. Military Honors will be provided by the Steele County Funeral Unit.
If you would like to make a memorial donation in honor of Thain, please consider one of these options: Grace Baptist School, Owatonna, or Grace Baptist School in North Mankato.
For more information or to leave an online condolence message, go to www.megercares.com.