Timothy Albert Thorrez

Thorrez, Timothy Albert

September 19, 1944 – October 26, 2023

It is with grace that we announce the passing of Timothy Albert Thorrez of Jackson. He had celebrated his 79th birthday in September with his family. Tim joined his father Albert and mother Elizabeth (Koscielniak) Thorrez, and sister Kathleen Anne Thorrez in eternal rest.

Tim is survived by his two daughters, Terese (Thom) Keehan of Milwaukee, WI and Carin (Chris) Parsons of Hendersonville, NC. His grandchildren, Emma, Sophie, and Sam Keehan, and Eveline, Truman, and Adam Parsons, were a special joy to him to the very end of his life.

He was the eldest of nine children who will also miss him dearly: David Thorrez, Marybeth (Howard) Kaak, Bernard (Mary) Thorrez, Michael (Betsy) Thorrez, Chris (Patrick) Beach, Joseph (Kathleen) Thorrez, and Albert (Beth) Thorrez. In addition, many, many nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. His loving and long-standing friend, Fred McCoy, was at his side throughout his life.

Tim graduated from St. John High School in 1962. He then received both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Michigan where he was one of the first graduates of the school's Nuclear Engineering program.

Tim married Nancy Jean Kalinowski in 1966. He was then hired as a nuclear engineer for Philips Energy in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Later, Tim worked at Consumer Power Palisades in South Haven, Michigan. Tim lived with schizophrenia most of his adult life.  He was a light in this world through his faith, family, and love of others. He was a devout Catholic and a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church.

Tim's unwavering optimism served his family and friends without compare. His letters and spoken word testimonials included inspirational phrases like "Attitude is  Gratitude" meant to encourage and lift up his family and friends. Writing letters to his family was one of his favorite pastimes. He continued his mother Betty's legacy with his greeting card "ministry" that he maintained for his godchildren, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and extended family. He would write routinely during holidays, birthdays, and many other special occasions with an infallible memory for these events. He always carried a prayer card or verse of faith in his pocket, and he always made sure to point out even the smallest blessings in his life.

Tim had a great sense of adventure. For example as a teenager, he flew in a 2-seat airplane with a friend over Niagara Falls! He enjoyed spending time outdoors in nature, taking many photographs and enjoying Half Moon Lake with his family. He was a big proponent of physical
activity, walking miles around Jackson on a daily basis, and frequently espousing one of his
favorite phrases, "Your health is your wealth!"

Tim's infectious enthusiasm, positivity, and spiritual strength in the face of his lifelong medical challenges will never be forgotten.

Mr. Thorrez is at the Desnoyer Funeral Home where the family will receive friends on Sunday, October 29 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Monday, October 30 at 11:00 AM. Father Chas Canoy  will be the celebrant at the Mass. The family will also receive friends at the church, prior to the Mass, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Private interment will take place at St. John's Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the John George Home, St. John the Evangelist Church, and Jackson Right to Life.