John Bernard Tharnish, 90, passed away August 29, 2022. Born October 7, 1931 to Ernest and Julia (Huigens) Tharnish and grew up on a farm near Creighton NE, with his 8 sisters and 5 brothers. John graduated from St. Ludger’s school in 1949. He served two years in the U.S. Marines. In 1955, John married the love of his life, Delores Hilkemeier, and moved to Lincoln where they lived their entire life, and were long time members of St. John’s Catholic Church. John worked at Pegler Sysco for over 35 years as a draftsman for kitchen installations. John enjoyed playing baseball, and coached Scott’s youth teams and also two men’s fast pitch softball teams. John was an avid bowler into his 80’s. It brought joy to the house whenever he played the harmonica or guitar for family. Many good times were had playing cards with family and friends. John designed and maintained a large family tree that is a treasure to the family.
John is survived by his wife, Delores, daughter Natalie (Pat) Schlaebitz and son Scott (Peggy) Tharnish; 4 grandchildren: Renae (Wade) Meyer, Kara (Adam) Wacker, Jodi (Jason) McLaughlin, Matt (Megan) Schlaebitz; 14 great grandchildren; brother Robert (Phyllis) Tharnish; sisters Anna Schumacher, Rita Wagner, Patricia Neumann; brother-in-law Donnie (Adona) Hilkemeier and sister in law Janice Cromwell.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings Raymond, Gertrude Effle, Pauline, Ernest, Irene Thomas, Margaret Hansen, Alfred, Ruth, and Elmer.
A visitation for John will be held Thursday, September 1, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512. A rosary will occur Thursday, September 1, 2022 at 7:00 PM, 6800 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68512. A mass of christian burial will occur Friday, September 2, 2022 at 10:00 AM at St John's Catholic Church, 7601 Vine Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68505. Memorials can be made to St John's Catholic Church. lincolnfh.com
