Edmund B. "Ed" Thilman

Edmund B. “Ed” Thilman, 76, of Mishawaka, formerly of Chesterton, passed away Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at Sprenger Nursing Facility after an extended illness. He was born on May 4, 1942 in South Bend to the late Edmund Thilman Sr. and Marguerite (Helling) Thilman. He was preceded in death by his lovely wife Carlee A. (Radiger) Thilman, whom he shared 47 wonderful years of marriage beside and shares the rest of his eternal life alongside her.

Edmund is survived by his daughter, Christine (Douglas) Barnack of Indianapolis, sons, Douglas (Joann) Thilman of Wake Forest, NC, and Brian (Kerri) Thilman of Osceola as well as three brothers, John Thilman, Michael (Nyla) Thilman, and James Thilman. He will be missed by his nine grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Pa”, Douglas (Hayden) Barnack, Kyle (Lauren) Barnack, Danielle Barnack, Rachel Barnack, Graceann Thilman, Samuel Thilman, Emma Thilman, Claire Thilman, and Luke Thilman. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews, a sister-in-law, Del Hurst, and a special nephew, Scott Hurst.

Edmund proudly served in the United States Air Force and worked as a maintenance worker for Duneland School Corporation for many years. He enjoyed watching Notre Dame Football and would never miss a game on TV. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan as well and collected many baseball cards. He loved to travel often to see his grandchildren and had enjoyed his travels in Alaska and through the Grand Canyon on the back of a mule. He had also dabbled in wood working and enjoyed it.

The Thilman family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, November 29 at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St., Elkhart.  A funeral mass is to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 30 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in South Bend with Father Kevin Russeau officiating. Burial will take place at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to Camp Sweeney c/o Southwestern Diabetic Foundation, PO Box 918, Gainesville, TX 76241.

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