Freeport
Andrew J Thinnes Jr. died January 23, 2012, at the VA Hospital in Madison, at the age of 82. He was born Oct 7 1929 in Freeport, the son of Andrew J. Thinnes Sr. and Ava (Hybarger) Thinnes. He married Ilo (Holloway) May 25, 1957 in Freeport. He graduate from Freeport High school, attended Bradley University, and University Illinois Extension and was a Master Gardener.
He worked for Micro Switch for 37 years. Was president of the Board of Directors for Micro Switch Credit Union. Upon retirement from Micro he drove the Cataract Van for 15 years, as well as the VFW Van to the VA Hospital in Madison.
He served in the Army during the Korean War, where he was on the Army Pistol team and was a currier for the U.N. He was a life time member of the VFW and Korean War Veterans Association. He was involved with the Veterans Memorial Park.
He was the First Football coach for Freeport Junior High School. Andy played AAU basketball for the Rockford Blackhawks. He was a counselor for the YMCA Summer Camp and took several trips to Colorado with the Y van from 1945 to 1947. He was an extra in two movies. He coached little league baseball for several years.
He was a member of Bethany United Church of Christ serving on the church board, Trust committee, and Bus committee, and the Land committee where he assisted in the purchase of the current church property. Andy served on the Building and Grounds committee, was a Member of Men of Bethany, and volunteered for many church events.
He was a member of Eagles Club, Golden K, and the Orangeville Country Swinger's Square Dance club.
He was an avid Chicago Bear and Cubs fan. He enjoyed all sports and participated in most of them during his life. He enjoyed fishing, hiking, mountain climbing, traveling, and photography.
He enjoyed following his children's sporting events, and then followed his granddaughters for their dance and gymnastics competitions all over the US.
He had a smile for everyone and made a concentrated effort to meet new people all the time.
He will be missed by his wife, son Roger (Kristy) Thinnes, Daughter Terri (Jim) Dirksen, all from Freeport, Granddaughters Krista Dirksen of Normal, Il, Kadie Dirksen of DeKalb Il, & Kalah Dirksen of Freeport, and Grandson Andrew J. Thinnes III of Freeport.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.
Visitation will be held Friday January 27, 2012 at Bethany United Church of Christ from 4 - 7 p.m. Memorial service will be Saturday January 28, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at church with Pastor Ted Michalsen officiating . Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
A memorial has been established in his name.
Please view the Family Guest Book and sign the condolence page at www.walkermortuary.com