Ronald "Ron" Thorman — better known to everyone as "Papa" — was born on September 26, 1932, in Belleville, Illinois, to Benjamin William Thorman and Ida Macke Thorman. He grew up in the tight-knit German community of Belleville, where faith, family, and hard work were simply part of everyday life.

Papa met the love of his life, Jean Anne Kaiser — "Momma" — at a little corner grocery store where she worked for her two aunts. What started as a simple meeting turned into a lifelong love story. They were married on Christmas Day in 1953 and built a steady, devoted life together that lasted decades. Even with full heads of gray hair, they still looked at each other like newlyweds. His smile had the warmth of a summer day and the kind of ease that made you feel at home.

More than anything, Papa loved Momma. Everyone could see it. She was his person and the love of his life. The only ones who came close to competing with Momma for his affection were their beloved shih tzus. He especially adored his shih tzu, Sherre, who stayed faithfully by his side and kept him company until the very end.

He was a proud father to four sons: Steve, Ron, Tom, and Joern, and an even prouder Papa to 14grandchildren. He experienced the deep sorrow of losing Momma, as well as his two oldest sons. We take comfort knowing he has now been reunited with them.

Papa joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country. During that time, he discovered an interest in emerging technology, something that would shape the rest of his career. After spending time in San Francisco, he and Momma made their way back to Belleville, where he started working for a growing company called IBM.

As IBM grew, so did their adventures. The company jokingly stood for "I've Been Moved," and that was certainly true for the Thorman family. They lived in Michigan, Arizona, New York, Maryland, and finally settled in Georgia in 1974. After more than twenty years in Marietta, they built a home in Fairmount.

Papa was smart, loyal, and incredibly capable — the kind of man who could fix just about anything. He enjoyed guns, coin collecting, and going to craft fairs with Momma. When you stopped by their house, you would never leave without a warm welcome and a cold Dr. Pepper in your hand.

Papa will be remembered for his steady, kind presence, his quick mind, and the way he loved his family — especially Momma — with his whole heart.

A visitation will take place from 9:00 am until 11:00 on Saturday, February 14, 2026 with funeral service immediately following.