Ernest Charles Thielmeier Jr.

Thielmeier, Ernest Charles Jr. 82, of Louisville passed away Thursday June 27, 2013 at Park Terrace Center A man of extraordinary integrity and honesty leaves the world a better place for having lived a life marked by loyalty, organization, discipline and competitiveness. Every day of his life he remembered that through his belief in God, hard work, diligence, compassion for others he was creating his family's legacy. He brought joy to the people who were blessed enough to know him and be touched by him. A true patriarch, he lived a full and distinguished life marked by a fun loving spirit and an unwavering commitment to family. His children, grandchildren and friends have benefited immeasurably from his unconditional love, sound advice and ready support for life's adventures and challenges. He was born August 9, 1930 and was a 1948 graduate of DuPont Manual High School. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean conflict as a pilot instructor of the Air Training Command and trained pilots to use F-86D Fighter Planes. His duties were at Perrin Air Force Base in Sherman, TX and Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, CO until his Honorable Discharge in 1955. Although he never flew actively again his love for the air never waned. After working 12 years at Courier Journal and Louisville Times Art Department he began a long career as an Independent General Insurance Agent specializing in Employee Benefit Programs. He was owner and president of Group Benefit Associates, Inc. he was a past officer and long time member of the Louisville Chamber of Commerce, Sales and Marketing Executives of Louisville, and a member of Advanced Underwriters. He was a long Time Kentucky Colonel. He participated in many civic organizations and was proud to still be active as an Exhausted Rooster of the Louisville Jaycees. He served his community well with long time participation as a Cub Master, Scout Master and youth baseball and basketball coach in Prairie Village. He was a long time member of St. Paul Catholic Church and served on the Finance Committee for over 20 years. He was preceded in death by his parents Ernest C. Thielmeier, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Dienes Thielmeier, and three sisters, Ernestine and Mildred Thielmeier and Dorothy Thielmeier Toles. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 56 years, Helen Bracksieck Thielmeier, sons and daughters-in-law, Charles Michael Thielmeier ( Kelli ), Kenneth Allen Thielmeier, M.D. ( Lisa ), Gregory Louis Thielmeier ( Penny ), ten grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A funeral mass will be held 10:00 am Monday at St. Paul Catholic Church 6901 Dixie Hwy. with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be 1:00 – 8:00 PM Sunday at the Owen Funeral Home 5317 Dixie Hwy. Memorial gifts to Mass of The Air.