John Wilson Thonen's Obituary
John Wilson Thonen was born in Beaver Falls Pennsylvania, to Rose and Ralph Thonen on December 7th, 1947. His family moved to Bellevue, Ohio when he was a small child. He was the eldest of 5 children who spent their youth in a “Sears House” next to his grandparents, Beradino and Theresa Pepe. John's father worked for the railroad and was often gone, but his grandfather “Pup” spent countless hours with him as they worked in their garden. Proud of their Italian heritage, they took special delight in their hot peppers!
John graduated from Bellevue High school in 1966 and then attended BGSU, where he majored in business and computer systems, graduating in 1971. It was at college where he met his wife, Janet Johnson. They married in the spring prior to his beginning officers training school for the Air Force. John became a navigator, eventually serving in the reserves in Columbus, Ohio. He served in the Air Force Reserve for 7 years, leaving as a Captain, while living in the Columbus area with Janet and their growing family. He also worked at Rockwell International in I.T.
In 1980 John, Jan, and family moved to Oberlin, Ohio and settled into the home they have lived in for almost 40 years. John continued working as a project manager in I.T. with American Greetings for over 25 years until he retired.
John was active in his community. He served on the NOYO board, as a Guardian Ad litem, coached youth soccer, had a Cub Scout Pack, helped with Grenmore Dance Recitals, was a 4H leader, and prepared taxes for AARP.
John loved music and played Tympani with Lorain County Orchestra at LCCC for 26 years. He supported his children and grandchildren in their love of music, buying instruments and attending concerts.
John enjoyed traveling. He and Jan traveled in the states, in Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe. He also loved reading and never traveled anywhere without a book. He enjoyed sailing his boat, enjoying the peace and beauty of the lake.
John's favorite thing was being a father, a grandfather, and a great grandfather. He was a father to Julie (David), Jennica, Joshua, Jonna (Jeremy), and Justin (Meghan). Grandfather to Jataria, Michelle, Jeffrey, Joshua, Jasmine, Joslyn, and Amy. Great grandfather to Marlie, Madison, Chayanne, Kaden and Brighten. He was their beloved Papa. He loved them all dearly and wanted the best for them, and prayed to live to see them grow up.
John is also survived by his sisters, Shirley (Bob) and Karen (Carl) and his brother Pat (Norma). He leaves his brothers-in-law Robert (Pam), William, and Tim, many nieces and nephews, his “brother” Denny, dear friends, Melanie and Larry, Griff, Cathy and many others.
John shared 48 years with his wife Janet and had hoped to reach 50. They had many adventures together, raising children, traveling, and sadly, his battle with cancer. He lost that battle on June 21st 2019 but he fought fiercely and bravely until the very end.
John's memorial service will be held on Monday, July 1st, 2019 at 4:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 45 S. Professor Street, Oberlin, Ohio. The family invites everyone to this celebration of John's life. Memorials, if desired, may be directed to the first United Methodist church in Oberlin or the Oberlin Public Library.
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