Joseph (Joe) Thatcher 62, of Wilmington, IL passed away unexpectedly, while on a turkey hunting trip in Harrisburg, IL. He was born on February 12, 1950 in Blue Island, IL.

He was employed at ExxonMobil for 34 years until his retirement in February 2008. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trap shooting and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his fiancé of 34 years Debbie Friddle, a daughter Shannon Emmons of Texas a son Justin (fiancé Anna Dransfeldt) Friddle, two grandchildren Cole (9) and Jake(5) , parents John and Myra Thatcher of Monee, two sisters Janet (Gary) Hase of Monee, and Joyce Albers of Peotone and a brother Jim Thatcher of Peotone: three sisters in laws Rosalie Thatcher, Terri (Pat) Dicken, and Deniece (Howard) Schott, two brothers in laws Scott (Nina) Rose and John Rose; And numerous nieces nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his brother John A. Thatcher and two brothers in laws Steve Rose and Keith Albers.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday April 17, 2012 at Forsythe Funeral Home. Visitation will be on Monday from 3:00-8:00 pm at Forsythe Funeral Home 507 S. State Street. (Rt. 52) Manhattan, IL 60442 www.forsythefuneralhome.com

Pall bears will be Jimmy Thatcher, Kevin MaGuire, Mike Jacobson, Dick Barton, Rick Miller, and Rich Pickles.

Arrangements entrusted to Ferrari Funeral Services 1044 Ferrari Drive in Coal City online guest book at www.ferrarifuneral.com or phone (815) 634-4040 for information.

Memorial contribution in Joe's name may be directed to the family for later disbursement to various search and rescue teams in Harrisburg IL