Timothy Thillman

life story

Honoring Tim: Celebrating a Life Well Lived

With heavy hearts, we share the passing of our beloved Tim, who has been lovingly welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven. He now enjoys the ultimate peace and joy in the presence of our Heavenly Father, leaving those of us who mourn his passing comforted by the assurance of his eternal happiness and freedom from pain and that we will one day see him again. Please see full obituary in the Sunday, April 14, 2024 edition of the Saint Paul Pioneer Press. Details for Tim's Celebration of Life taking place on April 20 below.

A little bit about our hero...

Tim, my dear husband and soulmate, passed away peacefully at home on April 3, 2024, due to complications of Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), which is a parkinsonism disease.

He was born on June 25, 1955, in Duluth, MN, the second eldest of six children to Gordon and Faye Thillman. He graduated from Osseo High School in 1973. He had had a wonderful adventure-filled childhood and brought that same spirit to his own family providing a loving, fun-filled home radiating tenderness, supportiveness, generosity, and dedication.

Tim’s joy touched so many. He had an infectious laugh and sweet, sweet spirit. He LOVED being a dad and grandfather (Papa) so very much, and he was the best. He gave so much love and provided so many awesome childhood experiences based on his own growing up years. He was also the best husband anyone could ever hope for. I knew he would be soon after I met him, so I simply couldn’t let him get away and asked him to marry me! I was grateful he said yes every single day of our 40-year marriage.

Tim worked hard in whatever he did. Whether it was at work, volunteering, parenting, being a wonderful husband, he gave it his all.

Tim’s health journey started 25 years ago with his first stroke and then 10 years later with a second stroke. These strokes were due to a condition called Fibromuscular Dysplasia and associated with the collagen in the carotid artery. Tim had other health struggles throughout the years following his strokes including severe spinal stenosis and ultimately the diagnosis of PSP several years ago. Tim retired a year early in 2020 due to the progression of the PSP in his body. No matter how difficult it became for him, he kept his sense of humor and positivity though it all and through the suffering.

Tim had many wonderful healthy years, and some of his favorite things were watching his children and grandchild in all their activities, playing, teaching, and having adventures with his family, playing the bass guitar and drums, all sports (playing and spectating), camping on the St. Croix River, and the Minnesota State Fair to name of few!

Tim’s love for the Lord was evident in his faith and the hope he held for an everlasting life in Heaven. He would want us to be comforted by the knowledge that he is now experiencing freedom from pain and suffering and is embracing the joy and peace promised by our Savior, Jesus.

Tim was preceded in death by his father, Gordon. Survived by his wife of 40 years, Sheri; children, Cassi and Danny (Samantha Crosby); grandson, Eli; mother, Faye; siblings, Stacey and David Lundquist, Mary Thillman and Rory Milani, James and Susan Thillman, Chris and Bruce Sheets, Amy and John Steffen; nieces, nephews and many cherished family and friends.

We would like to extend our gratitude to the HealthPartners Hospice and Palliative Care team for their loving care and support over the last 18 months and to Tim’s neurologist at the HealthPartners Neuroscience Center who has stayed the journey with us for the last 25 years.

Cassi, Danny, Eli and I, as well as Tim's entire extended family, are so grateful for the love and support that family and friends have extended to each of us during this time of immense grief. We love you always.

memorial service

Celebration of Life Service for Tim Thillman

April 20, 2024

Amazing Grace Assembly of God 1237 Earl St, St Paul, MN 55106, USA

Service at 11am with VISITATION one hour prior at 10am. Lunch to follow the service.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18