Final Salute

James A. Thissen, 90, Topeka, Kansas passed away on Monday, June 20, 2022. He was born December 2, 1931, in Kingman, Kansas, the son of John R. and Margaret Gerber Thissen. Jim graduated from Kingman High School in 1949.

Jim served with the Kansas Army National Guard from December 1948 to April 1964 and with the Navy Reserve Seabees from April 1964 to January 1970. Jim was employed with the Kansas Department of Transportation from 1952 to 1992. He was an Engineering Technician in many capacities, starting by clearing brush, stake driver, survey party chief, construction inspector and then as senior tech in the asphalt pavement research section. Jim was a member of Christ the King Parish, the Kansas Association of Public Employees, and the Southwest Optimist Club. Jim married Harlean Hellman of Kearney, Nebraska, on August 23, 1969.

Jim is survived by his brother, Giles Thissen (Pat) of Kingman; nieces and nephews, Joyce Lies (Brian) of Kingman, Kansas, John Thissen (Kelli) of Herington, Kansas, Joe Thissen (Ji) of Lynnwood, Washington; and sister-in-law, Judy Thissen of Edmond, Oklahoma and her children, Sharon Soulek (Brian) of Charleston, Indiana, James Thissen (Michelle) of Jacksonville, Arkansas, Steve Thissen (Patty) of Cabot, Arkansas, Debbie Mills (Mark) of Edmond, and Diane Jenkins (Norman) of Blytheville, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his brother, Paul Thissen, and sister, Mary Ann Utter (Jerry).

Visitation will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, June 23, 2022, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5973 SW 25th Street, Topeka KS 66614, where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will follow with military honors in West Lawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Church. Condolences may be sent online to

Www.kevinbrennanfamily.com

Posted online on June 21, 2022