John Erland Tholen

We regretfully announce the passing of John E. Tholen, age 78, surrounded by his family at his Berwick, LA residence on December 9, 2022.  John had a difficult battle with pancreatic cancer, but is now at peace with Our Lord and Savior.  John is survived by his loving wife, Charlene Maddix Tholen, of 57 years, his two children, Rene’ Tholen Fontenot and husband Anthony of Moss Bluff, LA, Kirk Tholen and wife Christina of Tulsa, OK, his six grandchildren, Ty Fontenot, Madison Fontenot Dyer, Abby Fontenot, Connor Tholen, Taylor Tholen and Brooke Tholen, his sister Violet Tholen Orgeron, his brother Dale Tholen and wife Judy. 

John was in sales and service all of his life, professionally and personally.  He was on the Water Board for the Town of Berwick, Trustee at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church for over 40 years, and a 4^th degree Knight in the Patterson Knights of Columbus. 

John leaves behind a legacy of family, faith, service and compassion.  John never met a stranger and treated everyone like an old friend.  The kindness he exhibited throughout his life in good health, extended to those caring for him during his illness.  Mayor John, as he was jokingly referred to, could get along with anyone and everyone, and probably sell them a car or trailer in the process. He loved Grand Isle, and if you were lucky enough to see him out in the surf, you'd have a hard time out-fishing him, or keeping track of his “ones that got away”.

He is preceded in death by his parents Erland and Iris Tholen.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in John’s memory to the St. Stephen’s Church Building Fund in Berwick, LA.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Berwick with Father Istre officiating. Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 13, 2022 at Twin City Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a rosary being recited at 6:00 p.m. by the Knights of Columbus. Visitation will continue Wednesday, December 14, 2022 at St. Stephen Catholic Church from 8:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. After Mass, John will be laid to rest in the Berwick Cemetery Mausoleum.

There will be a gathering at the Old Building, 3190 1st St. in Berwick, begining at 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

If anyone would like to bring food, Mrs. Colleen have the Old Building open from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. for drop offs.