James “Tiny” William Thoenen, 77, Linn, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Westphalia Hills, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born April 5, 1949, to the late Edward “Ed” and Betty “Bets” Thoenen in Jefferson City.
He was a 1967 graduate of Fatima High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst University in Kansas City. Jim earned his teaching certificate from Lincoln University in Jefferson City and then he attended University of Kirksville to earn his math certification.
He was united in marriage to Merilee Barnes on June 21, 1975, at the Blue Ridge United Methodist Church in Raytown.
Jim was a retired teacher. He began teaching in 1971 and taught at Chamois, Linn and Fatima until 1996. From 1996 until 2005 he taught at Linn Technical College. In 2005, Jim taught GED classes at the Church Farm Prison for the Missouri Department of Corrections until 2007. He then went to work for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Jim was certified to teach grades K-12 PE, 7-9 history, 7 – secondary education, math, high school computers, post-secondary communications, and post secondary residential wiring. He coached and refereed for many years, influencing many youth with his coaching.
Jim was a member of Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Frankenstein. He was also a member of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association, Camping Club and a former member of the Linn Lions Club.
Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping and woodworking however, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by parents, Edward and Betty; brothers, John and Jerry Thoenen; brother-in-law, George Barnes and wife Betty; niece, Melissa Block; and nephew, Chad Thoenen.
Jim is survived by spouse of 51 years, Merilee; children, Katrina Koenigsfeld and husband Jamie of Frankenstein and Tim Thoenen and wife Sirenia of Sunrise Beach; grandchildren, Abby Mueller and husband Austin, Amber, Emma and Zach Koenigsfeld, all of Frankenstein, Jake Thoenen of Kodiak, Alaska and Max Thoenen of Kansas City; great-granddaughter, Daisy Mueller with another great-grandson due in September of 2026; brothers, Joe Thoenen and wife Donna of Linn, Jeff Thoenen and wife Peggy of Willard and Ed Thoenen and wife Stacy of Linn; sisters, Peggy Hemeyer and husband John of New London, Ruth Block and husband Dennis and Rose Thoenen, all of Loose Creek and Jean Hall of Jefferson City; sisters-in-law, Betty Thoenen of Frankenstein and Sarah Thoenen and husband Dallas of Linn; brother-in-law John and wife Cheryl Barnes of Linn; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m., (today) Wednesday, July 15, at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church in Frankenstein, with Fr. David Means officiating. Inurnment will be in the Garden of Gethsemane Cemetery in Frankenstein.
Memorial contributions suggested to St. Mary’s School in Frankenstein.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
