White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

INDEPENDENCE –John A. Thimmesch, 95 years old, of Independence, IA, and formerly of Aurora, IA, died of natural causes, Monday, February 24, 2025, at the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, IA.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. – Friday, February 28, 2025, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Winthrop, IA, with Very Rev. David M. Beckman as celebrant. Burial will be at St. Albert Cemetery in Lamont, IA, followed by a meal at the American Legion Hall in Aurora, IA. Military honors will be accorded by the Palmer-Scharff American Legion Post 435 of Aurora and assisted by the United States Navy.

Visitation will be 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Thursday, February 27, 2025, at White Funeral Home in Independence, IA, and will continue for an hour before services, Friday, at the church parish center in Winthrop.

John Arthur Thimmesch was born March 26, 1929, in Marshfield, WI, the son of Mathew Joseph Thimmesch and Berglet (Gran) Thimmesch. He attended country school in Caledonia, MN, and on May 15, 1951, he was united in marriage to Georgina Marian Tschumper in Hokah, MN.

John enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country from 1946 – 1953, during World War II and the Korean War. The majority of his military career was spent abroad or at sea. Following his honorable discharge in 1953, John and Georgina raised their family between Minnesota and Iowa, while John farmed and worked as a truck driver. They would settle in Aurora, IA, where John started Thimmesch Trucking Co. hauling mostly grain and cattle for the farmers in the area. He continued to run the company until his health forced him to retire in 2010. John’s determination and drive helped him build the company and sustain it for over 40 years. He was recognized by the Buchanan County Cattlemen’s Association for his length of service to the farm community.

John was a loving husband, dad, and Papa John. He enjoyed racing stock cars and supporting his family who raced as well. He loved to keep up with all his family’s activities and he continued to stay involved in the local community. He enjoyed reading, golfing, and going to coffee with the Shyster’s Coffee Club. He was a member of the Palmer-Scharff American Legion Post 435 in Aurora for 71 years and was a past Commander for the post. He served on the Aurora City Council and was a member of the Catholic Church in Lamont before its closing. He was a member of St. John Catholic Church in Independence and St. Patrick Catholic Church in Winthrop.

John is survived by two sons, Kenneth (Karen) Thimmesch of Tiffin, IA, Michael Thimmesch (Maureen Horsfield) of Arlington, IA; three daughters, Susan Hundley (Russ Reeder) of Elgin, IA, Jackie (Steve) Oliver of Aurora, IA, Karen (Jim) Dillman of Ft. Mohave, AZ; 15 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren; his daughter-in-law, Tammy Thimmesch; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Georgina; and two sons, James Thimmesch and Gary Thimmesch.

Memorials may be directed to the American Legion Post 435 in Aurora and the Independence Senior Center.

Condolences may be left at www.White-MtHope.com.
White Funeral Home, Independence, is in charge of arrangements.