John “Jack” J. Thielman, Avon, 79

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 28, 2014 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Avon for John “Jack” J. Thielman, age 79, who passed away Wednesday at the St. Cloud VA Hospital. Rev. Blane Wasnie, OSB will officiate and burial will be in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, June 27 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. one hour prior to services on Friday. Parish prayers will be at 4:15 p.m. Friday at the Church in Avon. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home in Avon.

John was born on July 30, 1934 in St. Cloud to Norbert and Evelyn (Grutsch) Thielman. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1953. In 1956 John married Audrey Gill in Waite Park. John was a patriot; he served his country in the First Infantry of the Army working as a mortar man. John had the honor of serving with his life- long friends, Art and Bob. After his time in the Army, John worked as a 2nd generation Rail Worker for the Great Northern Railroad for 41 years. He also was a milkman for 10 years. John also opened his home to VA patients through the VA Foster Program for many years. He was a volunteer Avon Fireman for 25 years. John was a life-long member of the St. Cloud VFW Post # 4847 and the Waite Park American Legion Post # 428. On his days off, John would take Audrey on dates, mostly to their favorite fishing spot. John enjoyed spending time at his Caboose on Pelican Lake with friends and family. He found great joy in cooking large meals often hosting fish fries by the dozens. John had such a big heart and a great sense of humor.

John is survived by children, Michelle “Mickey” Shay of Avon, John (Cathy) Thielman of Avon, Craig Thielman of Avon, Lynette McCoy of Greensboro, NC, Steve (Jane) Thielman of Fargo, ND; siblings, Marci Barli of Minneapolis, Dan (Darlene) Thielman of St. Joseph, Myron (Mary Sue) Thielman of Palm Desert, CA, Leo (Sue) Thielman of Parchment, MI, David (Mary) Thielman of Coon Rapids; 8 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and many grand- dogs. He is preceded in death by his parents; beloved wife, Audrey; infant son, Joseph; siblings, Norbert “Nubs” Thielman, Leroy Thielman and Louie Thielman.