JOHN THACKERAY, Obituary

John Wesley Thackeray, 80, a retired railroad employee, died Monday, March 25, 2002, at a Havre hospital of natural causes.

Funeral services are 10 a.m. Saturday at the Van Orsdel United Methodist Church with Pastor Mike Parr Officiating. Burial is to follow funeral service at

the Highland Cemetery with the Veteran Honor Guard presenting the flag to his sons. Fellowship Luncheon to follow Burial at the Church.

Memorials in John's Honor may be made to Van Orsdel United Methodist Church, Box 606, Havre, MT 59501, or to a person's choice.

Services and arrangements are under the direction of the Holland and Bonine Funeral Home.

John was born Dec. 19, 1921, to John and Lena (Leidig) Thackeray at south Havre. He attended rural Havre schools. John worked on various farms and ranches in the area as well as on the family farm. He also worked for Bailey's Dairy. John entered the U.S. Army in 1945. He served his country during World War II for two years. He was stationed in the Aleutian Islands. John received the Victory Metal.

On June 5, 1947, John married Fern Bilderback at Eau Claire, Wis. To this union, three children were born. John worked as a clerk for the Great Northern Railway, Burlington Northern Railway and Amtrak. He retired in 1983 after 36 years of service. John's hobbies included working on automobiles, exploring the country back roads, and visiting with his many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Lena Thackeray; wife, Fern Bilderback Thackeray in 1989.

He is survived by his sons, Michael C. Thackeray of Ham Lake, Minn., Dennis A. Thackeray of Rochester, Minn., Tim J. Thackeray of Lincoln, Neb.; brothers, Leonard, Fred, Webster, Raymond, all of Havre; six grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.