Welding accident claims young Homer man’s life
• Joey Tholberg had a new wife, and baby on the way
By Sean Pearson
Homer Tribune
Joey Tholberg
Troopers received a 911 call around 2:45 p.m. reporting that Tholberg had suffered life-threatening injuries while repairing the bucket. Coworkers and medics tried to revive him, but his injuries were too severe. He was transported to meet the LifeMed helicopter dispatched from Soldotna, but died before arrival at 4:01 p.m. Medics then continued transporting the body to South Peninsula Hospital.
According to his family, Tholberg had recently moved to Homer and was quick to make many friends — including his wife, Becky, who is currently carrying their child.
An avid outdoorsman, Tholberg enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding dirt bikes and snow machines. He grew up in Ninilchik, and loved tearing into engines, getting dirty and drinking cold beer.
His family said, “He was someone you could always count on for advice. From the seasoned local to the passerby, Joey was always willing to lend a helping hand.”
Friends described Tholberg’s personality as, “a giant roar for those who crossed him, a gentle whisper for those who loved him, and an even more humble word for those he felt he had wronged.”
Known for his infectious smile and laugh, Tholberg had a fun sense of humor and was a joy to be around. His last months of life were filled with peace, a new wife, a child on the way, and a sense of love from all who surrounded him.
His wife wrote, “One blink, one instant and you were gone, Too fast, too soon, too much for me to bear, Never again will you walk through our door. You are gone from this life, but you will never be gone from our hearts … God rest your soul dear Josiah, you will be missed.”
A visitation will be held from 5:30 – 7 p.m. tomorrow at Peninsula Memorial Chapel in Kenai. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, at the Carol Bock Hall in The Ninilchik Fair Grounds in Ninilchik. Graveside services will follow the funeral services at the Ninilchik Cemetery, and a gathering will follow at the Inlet View Bar in Ninilchik.
Memorial donations may be made in memory of Joey to Becky Brewer Tholberg at any AlaskaUSA Bank.
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Posted by Newsroom on Jan 27th, 2010 and filed under Headline News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
Posted by Newsroom on Jan 27th, 2010 and filed under Headline News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.
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