Passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. December 5,1942 – April 8, 2025 Devoted husband of 55 years of Karen (Jungewaelter) Thaman; loving father of Kate (Erich) Hochmuth and Joseph B. (Taylor Nugent) Thaman; adoring PawPaw of Isabelle, Emma, Alex and Owen Hochmuth and of Genevieve and Poppy Thaman; dear brother of Judy (Graham) Shelton and Patty Thaman Telker; dear brother-in- law of Frank (Kathy) Jungewaelter and Jan Jungewaelter; dear uncle, cousin, and friend. The Thaman Family wants to thank the staff of Lake View Court at Parc Provence, and Latasha Carter, Myra Carter, Sharon Houston, and Tamara Brown for the care they provided Joe. Joe was a graduate of Prep Seminary South H.S., Saint Louis University (Classical Bachelor of Arts) and Maryville University (Masters in Marketing). A proud Veteran, Joe served for three years in the U.S. Navy, ironically never on a ship, in Fallon, Nevada, and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. A history buff, Joe was a life-long learner, enjoying membership in the Civil War Round Table as well as immersing himself in accounts of the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. Whatever he did he pursued with passion and determination. He was a soccer player, softball player, coach, and manager and enthusiastic cheerleader for his children and grandchildren. Fierce, staunch, and loyal describe Joe in his commitment to his wife, children, grandchildren and friends. Above all, hiis life was shaped by his faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
Services; Visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the Kutis Funeral Home 5255 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63129. Interment at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Cardinal Glennon Children’s Foundation, 3800 Park Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63010, or Loyola Academy 3851 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108.
I remember you all coming to our house in South County when I was a boy my parents loved him.
Karen and family, Please accept my sympathy. I remember your first date was day of my wedding 9/11/65. Glad you were blessed with all those years. I remember running into Joe in the SLU cafeteria when we were taking evening class. We remember blessings of the past as we wait for reunion in heaven which this Good Friday reminds us of.
Thank you, Betsy. not only did we have our first date on the day of your wedding, Joe and I went to the Pageant and saw “Marriage, Italian Style.” Happy memories
Always enjoyed Joe’s drive by stops on Whisper Bend. Either he stopped for a bit of conversation or just a casual drive by wave, and always a smile. So sorry for your loss, Karen.
Thank you, Jeanne.
I recall him smiling and waving and stopping his car for chats-dozens and dozens of times—when he could. Maybe because he was a history buff who was familiar learning about history through song, he reminds me today of the friendly guy leaving home in the Woody Guthrie song who sings, “So long, it’s been good to know ya…and I got to be driftin along.” For those who knew Joe, his “driftin along” brings sorrow softened only by faith in his brighter future. He was a good man.
Karen,
I too remember his drive-by waves. He was such a gentle man and so devoted to you! I know the suffering of losing a spouse and I will pray that your memories sustain you during this difficult time. Prayers to you and your family.
Linda Fierst
Karen:
I remember Joe driving by my villa and stopping for a brief chat about the
issues of the day. Reminiscing about our SLU days and always with a cheerful smile. Amazing attitude. I am sure the Lord has warrior Joe by his side. You both supported each other as a loving and faith based couple.
Norm Hoernschemeyer
Joe, I am sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.
We are very sorry about Uncle Joe’s passing. Please accept my deepest condolences. He lived a long life and I hope y’all find comfort in the memories you shared with him. My thoughts are with the Thamans & Hochmuths.
Morgan
Dear Karen and family, love you all
A memory…I was just starting to date Joseph W. Hufker and he asked me to go to your wedding with him. Had the best of times…but I missed the bouquet toss. I still ended up with the love of my life (51 yrs) who I lost 3 yrs ago. You ended up with the love of your life too. But real love stories never end♡
Our thought and prayers are with you Karen and family. We know Joe is in a better place and at peace. We will miss seeing him drive by . He always took the time to stop and say a few encouraging words. Gods Blessings