John E. Thrall

John Elton Thrall
January 20, 1947 – October 20, 2025
John Elton Thrall passed away on October 20, 2025, at the age of 78, after a long and courageous journey with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. He was born on January 20, 1947, in Sedro-Woolley, Washington, to Lester and Dorothea Schuh, and lived a life defined by faith, hard work, and love.
John's greatest joy was in the Lord. His strong Christian faith guided him throughout his life - shaping his character, his work, and the way he cared for others. His other greatest joy was his family, whom he loved deeply and steadfastly. He was devoted to his wife, Pamela, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage - a partnership marked by enduring love, humor, and faithfulness through every season of life.
John attended Columbia River High School in Vancouver, Washington, and went on to graduate from the Multnomah School of the Bible in Portland, Oregon, earning his diploma in Christian Service in 1969. His time there strengthened his faith and cultivated the humility, perseverance, and integrity that remained central to who he was. After graduating from Multnomah, he went on to attend Seattle Pacific College, Clark College, and Western Conservative Baptist Seminary.
He began his working life as a cashier for Plaid Pantry and then as a night janitor in downtown Seattle, before joining Burlington Northern Railroad, where he worked on railroad tracks, operating the swing arm bridge controlling river traffic over the Willamette River, and even helped fight fires in the Columbia Gorge. His strong work ethic and mechanical skill opened doors to a long and varied career in construction, transportation, and industry.
John went on to found several construction companies, including John Thrall Construction Co. in Vancouver, Washington, and Altair, Inc., a construction and plastics Company in Anchorage, Alaska. Alaska became one of the great loves of his life - he cherished its rugged beauty, independence, and the friendships he built there over many years. Later, he worked for The Boeing Company in Seattle as a Machinist working in the Tube and Duct Shop on commercial aircraft, contributing to projects that combined precision, craftsmanship, and innovation. He also founded Prestige Home Mortgage Company, continuing his lifelong pattern of building, creating, and serving others through his work.
Outside of work, John found peace and joy in nature. He loved hiking, camping, hunting, and fishing, especially in the wild beauty of Alaska. He had an adventurous spirit and a quiet appreciation for the simple moments - a good day's work, a walk in the woods, or time spent with family.
John is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Thrall, his daughter Julie Thrall, his son Josh Thrall, his son-in-law Chris Stewart, and his beloved grandson Jack Thrall, who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by Lorelie Fields-Winters, a young woman he loved like a granddaughter and who held a special place in his heart.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Dorothea Schuh, and his sisters, Janice Lanau and Leslie Diebner.
Though Alzheimer's slowly took his memory, his faith and the love of his family endured until the end. His family visited him often, cherishing every moment and honoring the life of a man whose heart was steadfast and kind.
John will be remembered for his quiet strength, his quick wit, and his unwavering faith in Christ Jesus - a man who built not only homes and businesses, but a lasting legacy of love, devotion, and grace.
A private graveside service will be held for the family. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Alzheimer's Association or The Parkinson's Foundation in his memory.