Retired U.S. Army LTC John V. Thilman Sr.

John V. Thilman, Sr. was born in 1937 to Edmund and Marguerite Thilman of South Bend, Indiana, and was the eldest of brothers Ed, Mike, and Jim. John worked a few jobs including Thilman's Tap, AP Grocery, and Studebaker before attending Notre Dame University. He was a true “Domer” as he worked in the Notre Dame Administration building while attending school. He earned his accounting degree in 1960, then began his commission into the United States Army in 1961. He married his life-long soulmate, Bonnie Lee Hawkins, in June of 1960. They shared a life of love, laughter, faith and travel for 44 years together before her passing in 2004. John and Bonnie are survived by their five sons: John Jr. (Natalie), David, Bob (Malinda), Thomas and Bill (Tami), and have 7 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. John devoted his life to Bonnie, his family, his country and his faith until he received his wings and unlimited Blue Bell ice cream on October 18th, 2024.

John’s military career in the Military Intelligence took him around the world to Germany, Korea and two tours in Vietnam, earning him two Bronze stars and many more awards. John would later retire from the Army after 20 years as Lieutenant Colonel and quickly began his next career as Budget Director in both the Killeen and San Antonio, Texas, school districts for the next 27 years.

After retiring, John moved to Monument, Colorado, to be closer to his sons where he enjoyed the beautiful scenery, long walks along the Sante Fe Trail and coffee with his neighborhood buddies. He loved Notre Dame football with the whole family gathering around the TV to watch every Saturday. He was a kind, gentle soul who always placed other's needs well ahead of his own. John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, his brother Edmund “Ed” Thilman and his parents.

A funeral service for John will be held Thursday, November 7, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at St. Peter Catholic Church, 55 Jefferson St, Monument, CO 80132. A graveside service will be held Thursday, December 12th from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Pikes Peak National Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925.