RACINE - John Thoennes, passed away at home on December 14, 2016, just a few weeks short of completing his 90th year on earth. To the very end he maintained a loving spirit and sense of humor that allowed his family to temper their tears with laughter as they helped him transition from this world to the next. Jack was born on January 6, 1927 to George and Inez Thoennes. Although he came of age in a large family burdened by the hardships of the Depression, he remembered his childhood as an ideal time of adventures with the brothers and sisters who proved to be his life-long friends, under the guiding hand of parents he adored. A creative and inventive man graced with kindness and a generous heart, Jack valued above everything the company and companionship of family and friends. When he married Helen Czebotar on April 26, 1952, he found the perfect companion for this great adventure and their love affair endured to his final breath. Jack's absence will be felt deeply by the family, friends, neighbors and colleagues who enjoyed the pleasure of his company. Most especially, he is mourned by his wife, Helen, and his beloved children and their spouses: Steve Thoennes; Pat Hamilton and Bill Freund; Jim and Cheryl Thoennes; John Thoennes; Nancy Geertsen; Chris and Sue Thoennes; by grandchildren Tim and Jen Thoennes; Jay Thoennes; Andrew and Jessica Geertsen; Mitchell Geertsen; Lincoln Geertsen; Jess Thoennes, Olivia Thoennes and Camille Thoennes; and by his great-grandchildren Emmit, Norah and Thayne. He is further survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Don Frohmader, and by the nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Jack. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 20 at 12:30 pm at St. Lucy's Catholic Church, 3035 Drexel Ave, Racine. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 am until the time of the service. Jack was proud to make his living in the construction industry and valued the contributions tradesmen make to our world. Memorials are appreciated to the John C. Thoennes Scholarship, Gateway Foundation, 3520 30th Ave., Kenosha, WI. The scholarship supports apprenticeships in the building trades. MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME 803 MAIN ST. RACINE, WI 53403 (262) 634-7888 Please send condolences to www.meredithfuneralhome.com