Philip J. Thoenen, 95, Loose Creek, passed away peacefully Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Aug. 14, 1930, to the late Frank and Johanna (Kremer) Thoenen in Frankenstein.
He attended St. Mary’s School in Frankenstein.
Phil proudly served his country in the U. S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was on the front lines when the call for “cease fire” was given.
He was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Betty” Balkenbusch June 16, 1956, at St. George Catholic Church in Linn.
Phil worked for several area mills driving a feed truck. He then worked for McGraw Edison before moving to a job at Paul Lage Cabinet Shop in Jefferson City. Phil then left to start Phil Thoenen and Sons Cabinet Shop in 1968, which his sons, Dale and Dan run today.
He loved to pass on his knowledge to his employees and family and always looked forward to visiting with customers and friends.
Phil was a very devoted member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek and Linn VFW Post 4756.
He enjoyed gardening, especially blackberries, cutting grass and helping around the parish. Phil was very self-sufficient, he loved butchering, and processing his own meat and vegetables. He always enjoyed Betty’s homemade cooking and having homemade bread and butter sandwiches with every meal.
Phil’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by parents, Frank and Johanna; sister, Mildred Ogle; and brother, Wilfred Thoenen.
Phil is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betty; children, Rose Thoenen of Jefferson City, Robert Thoenen of Boring, Ore., Mary Ruth Kliethermes and husband Dale of Linn, Rita Schanzmeyer and husband Steve of Westphalia, Dale Thoenen and wife Suzanne and Dan Thoenen and friend Jennifer Sieg, all of Loose Creek; 13 grandchildren; 14 great- grandchildren; brother, Fred Thoenen and wife Theresa of Frankenstein; sister, Clare Laughlin of St. Louis; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Thoenen of Linn; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m.,Thursday, Nov. 13, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Loose Creek.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 14, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church with Fr. Anthony Rinaldo officiating. Interment with full military honors will be held in the Immaculate Conception Parish Cemetery.
Memorial contributions suggested to Immaculate Conception School Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to Morton Chapel in Linn.
