Donald G. Thill

1942 - 2023

Quietly and supported with the love of his family and friends, Donald G Thill, ended his 2nd battle with cancer on October 21, 2023 at his home in Gold Canyon, AZ. He battled multiple health issues for more than 20 years but it didn't stop him from taking care of his home, helping neighbors and family and enjoying his desire to see as much of the world as possible.

Travel was in his blood and he made it to all 50 states, 6 Canadian Provinces& 28 other countries. Don was born June 9, 1942 in Aurora, IL. He was a huge Disney fan, due in no small part that Donald Duck was also born on June 9-different year. During grade school, he had 2 Beacon-Newspaper routes. His brother, Rich, took them over when Don started working in the Circulation Dept. of the Beacon after school. After graduating from East Aurora High School in 1960, Don continued his love for the newspaper at the Beacon as an apprentice printer. He was introduced to the printing profession by Lloyd Gannegan at EAHS. After completing a 6 year apprenticeship in 4 1/2 years & completing classes at Roosevelt University in Union Organization, he left the Beacon in to go to the Chicago Sun-Times for a short while and in 1966 joined the Chicago Tribune until the lockout of 1985. He was very proud to have made up the front pages with the stories and headlines of the 60's 70's and 80's including Nixon's resignation and man's walk on the moon. During the lockout, he hung siding, worked at Aurora Food Service, security guard & Jewel. He was proud to work with his hands to support his family and help friends and neighbors. He then worked at General Mills in St Charles as a fork lift operator for 15 years til he retired. But in his heart he was always a life-long printer. He is survived by his wife of almost 60 years -Mary Christine (Tihay) Thill. Daughters- Suzanne King of Plano and Donna Thill of Montgomery, granddaughter Rachel (Jonathan) Knoebel of Sheridan, grandsons, Alexander & Dylan King of Aurora & great-grandson, Beckam King. Also surviving sister, Margaret (John P 'Jack') Schomer of Aurora, sister-in-law Emily (Buga )Thill of North Aurora and many, very special nieces & nephews. He is also survived by his best buddy, Rob Coates of Gold Canyon, affectionately known as 'Pool Bob.' Don was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene P & Florence Boyce Thill Solomon, sister Marlene Stewart & brothers, Richard F of North Aurora & Michael Thill. He was also preceded in death by his in-laws, Julius & Mary Balla Tihay, who loved him like their own & brother-in law, James S Tihay all of Aurora. He was also preceded by two very special friends, Joseph Ross & David Post, formerly of Chicago and Arizona

Special thanks to Drs. Alexander Brown & Dr Luke Halbur of Mesa, Arizona for their friendship and valued care as well as Marie and Edgar (Eddie) of Hospice of the Valley in the greater Phoenix area as well as their staffs for all the gentle kindness and consideration. The family will receive guests at Dieterle Memorial Home, 1120 S Broadway, Montgomery, IL Saturday November 18, from 10am until service time at Noon. For guestbook and directions visit www.dieterlememorialhome.com. 630-897-1196