West Bend, WI – John Robert Thresher passed away on November 1, 2024, at the age of 80 in West Bend, WI.
Born on July 7, 1944, in Fond du Lac, WI, John was one of four children. His childhood was split between Fond du Lac and Milwaukee. Growing up, he enjoyed fishing, playing hockey, and getting into mischief with his brother.
John graduated from Custer High School in 1962 and enlisted in the Army Reserve. He completed his training at Fort Polk, LA and not-so-fondly recalled the extreme conditions of the base. Upon discharge in 1970, he worked several jobs including a purchasing agent for Bostrom Industries, taxi driver, Aflac insurance agent, and most notably a caretaker for his late parents for over 30 years. Some years later, he attended UW-Milwaukee with a focus on economics. John was a walking, talking encyclopedia, and retained everything he learned.
John was a favorite uncle among many nieces and nephews. Known for his tall tales, John had a way of telling jokes and stories which left his audience wondering to which degree they were truth or fiction. He could throw a perfect underhand curve ball with a football.
He was generous with “high 5’s”, but stingy when it came to sharing his favorite leather chair. Favorite memories with family include all-night battles of Risk and Axis & Allies, enjoying a piece of pie with a cup of coffee, and an infamous backpacking trek through the Wind River Range in Wyoming (pictured). It was there that he developed a love for the mountains which would remain throughout his lifetime.
Later in life, John enjoyed taking drives along Lake Michigan, socializing with residents at Hadley Terrace Apartments, and attending services at All Saints Cathedral.
He was also passionate about discussing history, the military, politics, and grizzly bears with family. He could never turn down a pizza at Zaffiro’s, or an ice cream shake from Gilley’s.
John is preceded in death by his parents, James and Eunice (Lindner) Thresher; his brother-in-law Jacque Ward, brother-in-law Dave Kuechler; nephew-in-law Robert Young; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is survived by his sister, Nancy Ward, brother Peter (Judy) Thresher, sister Barbara (Thresher-Pagac) Kuechler, former brother-in-law Tony Pagac, many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
His funeral will be at All Saints Cathedral (818 E. Juneau Ave., Milwaukee, WI) on Friday, November 15, 2024 at 12:30 p.m., with burial in Rienzi Cemetery in Fond du Lac to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent in his name to assist with funeral costs. The family would like to sincerely thank the staff at The Kathy Hospice in West Bend for their incredible care of both John and the family in his final days.
Go rest high on that mountain, John. God be with you.
Myrhum-Patten Funeral & Cremation Service has been entrusted with John’s arrangements. Additional information and Tribute Wall may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.
