John 'Johnnie' Thibault

John "Johnnie" Thibault

John L. "Johnnie" Thibault, 98, of St. Ignace, enjoyed a career in refrigeration repair for many years, and was a World War II veteran. Mr. Thibault died Saturday, November 10, 2007, at Mackinac Straits Hospital.

Mr. Thibault lived in his home until age 98, and had been a very active person who had many friends in the St. Ignace and Mackinac Island area. He was well known for his "one liners," friends said, and always had a joke.

He was born August 14, 1909, in St. Ignace to Leon and Armaline (nee Tromblay) Thibault.

In spite of his limited formal education, Mr. Thibault became an expert in refrigeration and a member of IBEW Union of Electricians. He was known to perform service work that kept refrigeration units working for years after they had exceeded their life span, friends said, especially working on Mackinac Island, in Mackinaw City, and St. Ignace.

He attended the Ursuline Academy, served in the Merchant Marines during WW II, and was a member of the VFW. He also was a longtime member of Moose Lodge 999, and St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church.

Mr. Thibault is survived by his sons and their families, John E. and Jean Thibault Sr., Joseph and Pat Thibault, and Jerry and Helen Thibault, all of St. Ignace, Larry and Barbara Thibault of East Troy, Wisconsin; a special friend and caregiver, Rita Ekstrom; 12 grandchildren and their families, and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his siblings, Joseph, Eddie, Alfred, Mary Adele, and Margaret Allen.

Friends may call at Dodson Funeral Home Wednesday, November 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Parish prayers will be at 8 p.m.

Services will be Thursday, November 15, at 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church with Father Al Mott and Deacon Don Olmstead officiating.

Some of his grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

Burial will be in St. Ignatius Cemetery.