Jeannine M. Thor, age 91, a resident of Manitowoc, passed away with family by her side on Friday, December 27, 2024 at Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital.
Jeannine was born on October 12, 1933 in the Town of Little River to the late Gus and Ida (Ahrens) Behnke. She graduated from Lena High School with the class of 1952. On April 23, 1955, she married Raymond L. Thor at St. Charles Catholic Church in Lena. He preceded her in death on February 13, 2015. Jeannine was a homemaker, and then when her youngest started school, was employed with Paragon Electric for over 20 years. Jeannine loved flowers and tending to her gardens, and cooking large family meals. She enjoyed playing cards, sheepshead, visiting casinos and traveling. Above all, she enjoyed spending her time with her family and friends – especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Survivors include Jeannine’s five children, Richard Thor, Mishicot; Cheryl Messman, Two Rivers; Nancy (Jeff) Schultz, Tisch Mills; Michael (Karen) Thor, Two Rivers; and Amy Thor, Manitowoc; nine grandchildren, Troy (Niki) Thor, Adam (Amanda) Thor, Brandi Messman and her significant other Ryan, Jamie (Gary) McCorkle, Benjamin (Tricia) Dimmick, Jessica Dimmick and her significant other, Michael, Ashley (Clint) Pfund, Amber (Matt) Kornely and Nathan (Melanie) Thor; 18 great grandchildren; one brother, Harvey (Janet) Behnke, Lena; three sisters, Diane (Harvey) Marquardt, Oconto Falls; Mary (Simon) Nowak, Crivitz; and Linda (Ernie) Votova, Oconto; sisters-in-law, Betty Behnke, Green Bay; and Catherine Thor, Manitowoc; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jeannine was preceded in death by her parents, Gus and Ida Behnke; husband, Raymond; son-in-law, Gary Messman; grandson, Jon Lee Messman; two brothers, Raymond Behnke and Roy Behnke; sister, June (Clarence) Schaut; two brothers-in-law, Anton Thor and Clarence (Joyce) Thor; and sister-in-law, Ann (John) Kosobucki.
Funeral services will be held at Noon on Monday, January 6, 2025 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. Pastorial Minister Christal Wavrunek will officiate with entombment to take place at Knollwood Mausoleum. A luncheon for family and friends will then be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. The family will greet relatives and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home on Monday, January 6, 2025 from 10 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at Noon. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
The family would like to thank Manitowoc First Responders and the Froedtert Holy Family Memorial Hospital’s ER staff for all of the care and compassion they provided.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
