Bsport

John M. Thole, age 93, of Redlands, died peacefully on November 6, 2023, at Plymouth Village after several months of illness.

John was born and grew up in Evansville, IN, where he was the middle child of five of Edward J. and Jane Mary (Morton) Thole. John graduated from the University of Evansville and earned a master's degree from the University of Maryland, both in engineering. While in college, John met the love of his life, Roberta Becker. After graduating from Evansville College in 1955, John and Roberta married and moved to Maryland where they welcomed and raised their daughters, Sarah, Cindy and Lynn. Later they lived in Redlands, CA, and in Reston, VA, before returning to Redlands six years ago.

John had a long career in the design and development of spacecraft and rockets, mostly at NASA and at TRW/Northrop Grumman. His work stretched from the very earliest days of satellite communications, to ICBMs, and to innovative work in low earth orbit launch vehicles. John held two patents, received the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, was a Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics (AIAA), and received an honorary doctorate from the University of Evansville.

John is survived by his wife of 68 years, Roberta L. (Becker) Thole, and by his daughters: Sarah T. Fischell and her husband David, Cynthia A. Loewus and her husband Richard, and R. Lynn Whitmer and her husband Gary. Also surviving are his five grandchildren, Erin Fischell, Jennifer Fischell, Allison Whitmer Fahrney, John Whitmer, and Emily Loewus Marz, three great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Jane Sapp Winn and Ann Fehn. John will be greatly missed.

Burial is private. Celebration of Life will be in January. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's name may be made to: Human Good Foundation, 900 Salem Dr.,

Redlands, CA 92373. In the memo line, please specify: Team Member Appreciation Fund (TMAF) or Resident Benevolence Fund (RBF).