Joseph P Thielmann

Joseph's life began October 29, 1932 in Chicago Il., the son of Joseph Sr. and Anna (Boughan) Thielmann. Joseph had an associate's degree in Liberal Arts from Southwestern Michigan College. He was united in marriage to Jerrita Welsh in 1956 in Dowagiac. Joseph retired from National Standard where he worked as a utility man. He had many interests during his lifetime, one being parachuting, He had completed 63 jumps. He also had his pilot's license, and he loved being known as "flyboy". Joseph would often relate many things he did when he was "12", after much harassment from his family about how everything happened at age 12. he later began saying that his adventures happened between the ages of 11 and 13. To those who really knew him he truly had a soft place in his heart, he was often seen shedding a few tears at his children and grand children's choir concerts. His loving family includes his wife Jerrita Thielmann of Dowagiac, sons James (Gerry) Thielmann of Niles, Joseph (Brenda) Thielmann of Dowagiac, Michael ( Bethany) Thielman of Niles, daughters Deborah (Tim Tirotta) Gonzalez of Edwardsburg and Mary Ryll of Edwardsburg, grand children LeeAnn (Robert) Stephens, John (Becky) Thielmann, Alicia (Joseph) Kidd, Nathan Thielmann, Christy (Glen) Houser, Jamie Gonzalez, Jason (Jill Turner) Taravat, Sarah Taravat, Katie Thielman, Michael Douglas, Brandon Douglas and Nicholas Thielmann, great grand children Noah, Josiah, Jane, Timothy, Dylen, Rylei, Courtney, Meghan, Gavin, Caden, Konner, Elizabeth and a brother Bernard Thielmann. He was preceded in death by a daughter Angela Douglas, a sister "Babe" Rassmussen, and 2 brothers David Thielmann and Francis Bissenden. Joseph passed away on Monday January 16th 2012 in Kalamazoo Michigan. His family will gather with friends on Friday January 20th from 5-8 at Yazel & Clark Chapel, where his funeral service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 A.M. He will be laid to rest at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens in Niles Michigan. Memorial contributions can be directed to his family. Please sign his guestbook and leave a memory of Joseph at www.yazel-clark.com