Donald Arthur Thibodeau
Don Thibodeau died on October 2, at his home in Cedar Key after a long illness. He was 85. He was born July 25, 1919, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The son of Rose (Harley) and John Thibodeau, he was raised in the small town of Coleman, Wisconsin, graduated from Coleman High School in 1937 and attended the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee. He enlisted in the Army in 1942 and was accepted for O.C.S . Commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the 14th Armored Division, his outfit fought throughout France and Germany in WWII. He received the Bronze Star and several campaign medals.
Again he served overseas when recalled for active duty during the Korean War. Returning to his hometown, Don became a dairy farmer and electrical contractor. He enjoyed deer hunting in Northern Wisconsin and sailing on the Great Lakes. In 1984, he retired to the Cedar Key area. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Chiefland, the American Legion, the 14th Armored Division Association, and the Cedar Key Historical Society where he was a long-time docent in the historical museum.
Preceded in death by his first wife, Aurelia (Barth), he is survived by his wife, (Patricia) Kate Bassett Thibodeau, 2 daughters, Mary Kay Bloom of Middleton, Wisconsin, and Elizabeth Beg of Bayside, Wisconsin; 2 sisters, Kathleen Taylor of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Carol Koller of Coleman, Wisconsin; 2 stepdaughters, Lisa Bassett of Tallahassee, and Susan Garcia of Palatka; 4 Stepsons, Jonathan Bassett of Tampa, Jeffrey Bassett of Ft. Lauderdale, Dr. Timothy Bassett of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Dr. Christopher Bassett of Palm Bay, Florida, 6 grandchildren, 13 step grandchildren and one great grandson.
Funeral services are under the care of Knauff Funeral Home, Chiefland, and burial will follow in the Live Oak, Florida, Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Don's favorite charity:
Saint Joseph's Indian School
P.O. Box 100
Chamberlain, SD 57325 |
