Linda Ann Thoenes

Linda “Ann” Thoenes nee Luchsinger, 87, of Tucson, Arizona passed away on February 19, 2023. She was born near Leigh, Nebraska on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1936. Ann was a loving wife, supportive sister, wonderful mother, fun grandmother, and adoring great grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew her.

Ann’s life started with a dramatic birth at her Grandmother’s house. It was a terrible winter storm the day she was born accompanied by extremely cold temperatures. As the labor progressed, her uncles hitched up a horse and sleigh and went to town to get the doctor. They arrived back at the house in time but all three were suffering from frostbite. She was raised on a farm in Nebraska during the age of horse-drawn equipment.

Her schooling was in a one-room schoolhouse until she graduated from 8th grade. She was an excellent student and developed a lifelong desire to always learn something new. As the salutatorian, Ann graduated from Columbus High School in Columbus, Nebraska and then attended the University of Nebraska. She was the first in her family to attend college. She graduated with honors and a degree in Home Economics Education.

Education was always a focus in Ann’s life. Her parents sacrificed to send her to high school and college, always stressing the importance of education. As a result, two of her sons are educators and her other son is a scientist/businessman. All three daughters-in-law are trained as teachers.

In between her junior and senior years in college, Ann married Carter Thoenes, a young officer in the U.S. Air Force. As a military spouse, she raised three boys as they lived in three different states during Carter’s 20-year career. Their last move took them to Tucson, Arizona as Carter was transferred to Davis-Monthan AFB.

A couple of years after Carter’s retirement from the Air Force, he and Ann established Southwest Bee Supply where Ann operated the storefront for this family business. For 11 years they ran the business together, along with their three sons. Ann was the friendly face at the store, knowledgeable in all aspects of beekeeping as well as running the queen rearing operation. She made many friendships in the beekeeping community in southern Arizona that lasted until her passing.

After selling the bee business, Ann started another small business venture in infant and childcare. She applied her education background with the experiences of raising her sons and grandchildren to establish a well-respected day care center. She gave a caring and educational start to many infants over the years.

Ann’s last work position was as an office manager for her son’s bee business. She helped to start his business by putting her business sense and beekeeping knowledge to good use.

Ann’s retirement was spent enjoying her family and watching them grow and find their way in life. She liked traveling and visited many sites with Carter. She also volunteered for the Interfaith Community Services food bank and the Disabled American Veterans. She was physically active, enjoyed being outside, with gardening and birdwatching among the many hobbies she loved. Even at the age of 86, she maintained their small acreage east of Catalina. She enjoyed that house with its great view of the Catalina Mountains.

She was married to Henry “Carter” Thoenes, Sr. for 66 years. She is survived by her husband Carter; her sister, Jane; and brother, John. Her three sons are Henry C. Thoenes, Jr. (Nancy), Steven C. Thoenes (Helen), and Jeffrey J. Thoenes (Barbara). Ann’s six grandchildren include Doug Thoenes (Blair), Taylor Thoenes (Kendra), Katie Baskin (Sean), Paul Thoenes, Christian Thoenes (Julia), and Ben Thoenes (fiance Allie). Sebastian Baskin is her great-grandson.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday March 11, 2023 at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 11575 North 1st Ave, Oro Valley, AZ. Live streaming of the memorial can be found at www.orovalley.org and click on the live services link. A separate interment ceremony will take place in the fall at the Arizona Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery at Marana. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or the charity of one’s choice in Ann’s name. Arrangements by Neptune Society of Tucson.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/tucson-cremation for the Thoenes family.