Frederick Thill

Frederick Frank Thill of Wheaton, beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend passed away peacefully at his home in Wheaton early Monday morning, February 16, 2009, surrounded by his family. Fred was 79 years old. Funeral Services for Fred will be held Friday, February 20, 2009 at 11:00 AM at the Wheaton American Legion Center with Frs. Joe Vandeberg and Stanley Wieser officiating. Pallbearers were Larry Goracke, Jerry Schultz, Lyle Wohlenhaus, Duane Cook, Evan Olson, and Tyler Klugman. Honorary Bearers were Pete Muellenbach, Gene Lundquist, John Muellenbach, Al Blasing, Ivan Neumann, Allen Weick, Orval Hess, The Wheaton Fire Department and the Wheaton High School Class of 1947. Visitation will be Thursday evening at the Ranney Funeral Chapel in Wheaton from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM. Burial will be in the spring at Wildwood Cemetery in Wheaton. Fred was born to parents Fred and Ann (Reckner) Thill on August 4, 1929 in Wheaton MN. He proudly served the Air Force in 1951-1953 after graduating from Wheaton High School in 1947. Life in his home town had a strong hold on Freds heart and his adoration included every resident. Fred also loved his work, first selling Buicks alongside his dad at Thill & Block Motors and later his work at the Community First Bank in Wheaton. Retired and ever busy he stayed close to his favorite game by working part time at the Wheaton Golf Course. He received an Outstanding Senior Citizens Award in 1998. He enjoyed his years serving the Wheaton Fire Department, Ambulance Crew, City Council, American Legion and Ave Maria Catholic Church. He had fond memories of his years hunting and fishing around Lake Traverse. He will be missed by many. Fred is survived by his loving and cherished wife of 57 years, Betty, 2 children: Nancy (John) Peyton of Duluth, Minnesota, Michael (Vicki) Thill of Taylors Falls, Wisconsin, and 3 grandchildren: Kelly ( Matt )Webber of Desoto, Missouri, Coleman and Raymond Thill, 1 sister: Carol (Dan) Finnane of Indian Wells, California, nieces and nephews and many dear friends. Memorials are preferred to either the Wheaton American Legion or the Ave Maria Catholic Church Building Fund.