Search by Name
Search by Name
LIBERTYVILLE - John Francis Thumel, 22, passed away July 26, 2015, in Galveston, Texas. John was born in Oak Park, IL and grew up in Libertyville, IL. He was a graduate of Carmel Catholic High School, where he gained a reputation for being brilliant and mischievous and was known to outsmart classmates and teachers alike. He was a high school track star, competing varsity for four years and soaring above the rest in pole vault. John was in his final year at Northwestern University where he studied Chemical Engineering, but he was determined to spend his days being so much more than a science geek. John shunned the library, preferring to study on the Lakefill. After graduation, he planned to work for Dow Chemical where he interned as part of their co-op program for the past three years. He was an active member of Sigma Chi fraternity at Northwestern, where he was a fierce and devoted friend and brother. Anyone who met John would agree that 22 years was not enough time for us to know and love him, but they would also agree that he did not waste a minute of that brief time. John traveled the country and the world, climbed mountains to see the sunrise, never missed an opportunity for a laugh, and took no small measures for his family and friends. He could talk his way into anything with a perfect dimpled smile and did not believe in saying no to anything that would make a good story. John was always planning his next adventure and is surely starting a new one now. John will be remembered forever by his parents, Mike and Laura; his sister, Alison; his grandparents, John and Rosemarie Kolenich and Louise Thumel; and his aunts, uncles, and cousins. His beloved grandfather, Frank Thumel, is surely by his side in heaven, cracking a bad joke. Funeral Mass will be Saturday, August 1 at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 121 E. Maple Ave, Libertyville, IL. Visitation will be Friday, July 31, from 4-8 p.m. at McMurrough Funeral Chapel, 101 Park Place, (Route 176, 1 block East of Milwaukee Ave) Libertyville, IL. Instead of flowers, please send memorial donations to Lurie Children's Hospital, a cause John looked forward to supporting each year through Sigma Chi's Derby Days, or consider making a blood donation to the American Red Cross http://www.redcrossblood.org. Funeral info (847) 362-2626. Please sign the guestbook at www.libertyvillefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
You all are in my prayers and I wish you strength today . I am very sorry for your loss.
Tina Barajas RN Galveston, TX
Tina Barajas RN
August 1, 2015
Dear Mike, Laura and Alison,
Our entire family sends their heartfelt sympathies to all of you. We are at such a loss for words, but know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. May it be some comfort to all of you to have had such a wonderful young man that you can call your son and brother.
Our prayers are with you.
Les, Jane, Mary ,Megan, Courtney and Ryan Sturgeon
Les,Jane,Mary,Megan, Courtney and Ryan Sturgeon
July 31, 2015
Mr. and Mrs. Thumel and Alison,
I am so deeply saddened by your loss and you have my sincere sympathies and condolences. It was an honor to have taken care of John and your family. You all will be in my heart forever.
Sincerely,
Olinka Zamora, RN
Surgical ICU
University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas
Olinka Zamora
July 30, 2015
Mike, Laura & Alison,
I hope that the wonderful memories your family has made will help carry you through this difficult time. John will be missed by many! You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
The Cornett
July 30, 2015
May the God of comfort sustain this Family during their time of need.
July 30, 2015
My heartfelt condolences to the family. John was an outstanding student and participant in the McCormick engineering co-op program.
Tameca Lyons
McCormick Office of Career Development
Northwestern University
Tameca Lyons
July 29, 2015
A beautiful obituary, he led a full 22 years. It was not enough. I am so sorry for your loss.
Brenda Sural
July 29, 2015
Mike, Laura, and Alison- so sorry for your loss. John was a special young man and he will be remembered always. You are in my prayers.
Darryl Page
July 29, 2015
I was deeply sadden to hear of John's passing. I worked with John for two years at Independence Grove. John was a great co-worker and always ready to lend a hand. RIP John.
Prayers for John's family and friends as you look to God for strength and peace.
Jody Hoffman
July 29, 2015
Showing 1 - 9 of 9 results
Jul
31
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
McMurrough Funeral Chapel - Libertyville101 Park Place, Libertyville, IL 60048
Funeral services provided by:
McMurrough Funeral Chapel - Libertyville101 Park Place, Libertyville, IL 60048
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more