Jarvis Henry Thormahlen

Jarvis Henry Thormahlen was born on October 22, 1930 in Orange Grove, Texas, to Wilfred Henry and Edna Louise (Dahse) Thormahlen. He passed away at the age of ninety-two on March 14, 2023. He was married to his loving and devoted wife, Doris Shepard Thormahlen, for 64 years. Mr. Jarvis is survived by his daughters, Sandy Thormahlen and Chris Thormahlen Archbold; his son-in-law, Glenn Sprecher (Cindy Thomas); his grandchildren, Lane Morris, Carrie Morris, Leslie Doty (Daniel), Kyle Archbold (Rachel), Megan Archbold (Scarlett), and Ian Archbold; as well as his two great grandchildren, Grayson Doty and Charlotte Doty.

Jarvis was preceded in death by his wife, Dorry; his daughters, Kathy Thormahlen Sprecher and Julie Ann Thormahlen; his parents, Wilfred H. and Edna L. Thormahlen; his brother, Larel Thormahlen; and son-in-law, Scott Archbold.

Jarvis grew up working with his father on their farm in Orange Grove, Texas. He served as a mechanic in the United States Air Force 1737th Ferrying Squadron as part of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS) from 1951-1954 at Westover Air Field in Massachusetts, and Dover Air Station in Delaware. After discharge from the service, Jarvis worked for various John Deere dealerships throughout South Texas: in Mathis from 1954-1963, for Barbee-Neuhaus Implement in Weslaco from 1963-1980, for South Texas Implement in Alice from 1980-1986, and for Harlingen Implement in Harlingen from 1986 until his retirement. In his retirement, he drove cars for Elliff Motors in Harlingen.

Jarvis was an active member of his churches. He was a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church in Mathis, a longtime member of Faith American Lutheran Church in Weslaco, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alice, and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen, serving on the church councils and as an elder, and singing tenor in the choirs. Jarvis enjoyed working with wood and doing all things mechanical, engaged in amateur photography, danced a smooth waltz, and frequently traveled with Dorry during their retirement. Jarvis, always devoted to his family, was the consummate gentleman, kind-hearted, soft-spoken, a man of integrity, and cherished by his family and friends.

Jarvis’ family wishes to express gratitude to Gentiva Hospice, Victoria Comfort Homes, and all medical personnel and staff who so graciously helped care for him during his time in hospice.

A memorial service will take place Saturday, April 15, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Harlingen, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 602 Morgan Blvd., Harlingen, Texas 78550 (www.stpaultexas.com). A private graveside service with full military honors will take place in Orange Grove, Texas

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