Submitted by: Dan Rich

John W. Thornburg

June 30, 1932 - July 16, 2007

South Bend Tribune 7/18/2005
MISHAWAKA - John W. Thornburg, 75, passed away at 12:15 a.m. on Monday, July 16, in Fountainview Place. He was born on June 30, 1932, in South Bend, to the late Leroy and Naomi (Brewer) Thornburg. He was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Stephen Barth.

On July 3, 1953, John married Barbara J. (Andrysiak). She survives along with their two daughters, Cynthia L. (Brian) Harnish of Walkerton and Susan M. Barth of South Bend; a grandson, Troy (Jennifer) Harnish of South Bend; a step-granddaughter, Jaclyn (Matt) Wheeler of Jacksonville, NC; step-grandsons, Dustin Harnish of Myrtle Beach, SC, Nathen Barth of Elkhart and Shawn Barth of Elkhart; great-grandchildren, Jocelyne and John Brian Wheeler; a sister, Nila Simms of South Bend; and a brother, Harold (Angie) Thornburg of West Bend, WI.

John was a parishioner of St. Monica Catholic Church. He was a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for 27 years, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was a member of American Legion Post 357 and NALC Branch 330.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today, July 18, in ST. JOSEPH FUNERAL HOME, 1827 E. Ireland Road, South Bend, where a Rosary will be prayed at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 19, in St. Monica Catholic Church, with visitation one hour prior in the church. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, South Bend. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or to a charity of donor's choice.