John W. Thimijan

John William Thimijan, 84, of Red Wing, died Friday, April 3, 2009 at the Lake City Nursing Home due to complications from cancer. He was born October 11, 1924 to Louie and Mary (Savage) Thimijan. He attended District #26 schools near Frontenac and later completed his education in Red Wing. He served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army during World War II and was involved in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre. John married Yvonne McMullin on May 12, 1950. He worked at Pittsburgh Plate Glass/Archer Daniels Midland for 36 years. He also worked at Wilson Hardware doing small engine repair and deliveries. He retired on August 1, 1987. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the NRA, and the Red Wing Sportsman Club. John enjoyed prairie dog hunting in the Dakotas and woodworking, including making spinning wheels, chairs, and stools with many people benefitting from his talent. He also built his own home. His family remembers times they spent traveling and camping together.

John is survived by his wife, Yvonne; children Wayne (Laura) Thimijan of Rochester and Jean (Jeff) Forsberg of Greenfield, Minnesota; grandchildren, Ryan and Sarah Thimijan, great grandchild Kallie Thimijan, and nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Flora Trimm and Martha Schrimpf.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Reverend Kristin Schlauderaff officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Memorials are preferred to the donor's choice. Funeral arrangements are by the Mahn Family Funeral Home , Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.