JONATHAN SCOTT THOELKE

Jonathan Scott Thoelke, age 49, of Tukwila, WA, died peacefully at his home on Friday, January 14, 2011, after a year-long battle with cancer.

Jon was born July 11, 1961, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Pastor Robert and Nancy Thoelke. Jon was the sixth in line out of 8 children; 6 minutes before his twin brother Jeff. Jon's father's profession also took the family to live in: State Center, Iowa; Kewanee, Illinois; Buena Park, California; and Kennewick, Washington.

Jon graduated from Kennewick High School in 1979 and from Eastern Washington University in 1984 with degrees in Business and Information Systems. After graduation, Jon moved to the Seattle area where he spent his entire working career. Jon worked at Boeing for the past 25-years and held positions as a Buyer and Information Systems Business Analyst.

Jon loved to travel the world with his twin brother Jeff and other family and friends. Jon was very active at his church, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in SeaTac and loved his church family. He served on the Board of Elders, sang in the choir, and was a worship leader. Jon also supported World Vision and other organizations.

Jon and brother Jeff's biggest hobby has been fixing up their historical older home in Tukwila. The other siblings always enjoyed coming to Seattle to see the latest progress on their projects. Jon also enjoyed scuba diving, playing cribbage and Mariner baseball games with family and friends.

Jon was a friend to all who knew him; he was a very caring, thoughtful, and fun loving person with a real zest for life. His strong faith in the promises of eternal life for those who are believers in Christ was an inspiration to many.

Jon is survived by his father, Robert Thoelke of Kennewick, Washington; sister Diane Ouart (Mark) of Kewanee, Illinois; sister Sally Gale (Jeff) of Kennewick; brother Jim Thoelke (Teresa) of Kennewick, sister Carol Mattair (Steve) of Kennewick; sister Sue Schmidt (Doug) of St. Louis, Missouri; twin brother Jeff Thoelke of Tukwila; and brother Tom Thoelke (Jill) of Kennewick; as well as seventeen nephews and nieces and their families who all dearly loved Jon. Jon also leaves a void to his friends, Boeing coworkers, and members of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Jon was an animal lover too and will be especially missed by his dog Porter.

Jon was predeceased by his mother, Nancy Thoelke, on September 21, 2006.

A memorial service to celebrate Jon's life will be held on Saturday, January 22, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 16919 33rd Avenue South, SeaTac, Washington 98188, followed by a reception at the church. A graveside service will be held February 19, 2011, in Kennewick, Washington at Riverview Heights Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be marked for Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, World Vision Missions, or the American Cancer Society.

Thank you to Jon's doctors and staff at Virginia Mason Hospital, and Providence Hospice of Seattle.

'I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.' 2 Timothy 4:7