Michael F. Thill

Jul 10, 1947 -

Feb 28, 2024

Michael was the oldest son of Vincent and Olive Thill born in Kenmore, N.Y. He had two siblings, Kathy Tate and Mark Thill.

Michael's family moved to Berlin, Germany, in 1951, where he was raised until the age of 12. He was a musician and learned to play piano and guitar in childhood, a joy he carried with him throughout life. He loved football and played for Walter Johnson High School.

Michael joined the United States Marine Corps in 1965. He served in active duty from August 1965 until August 1968, first at Camp LeJune, then in the Vietnam War.

He served with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, Kilo Company. Michael was severely wounded during Operation Badger Tooth. His Vietnam experience followed him for the rest of his life.

Michael worked on the pipeline on the North Slope. His interests turned to sailing wooden boats and welding. He met his wife Mary Jo Sanders during his time as a legislative staffer in Juneau, Alaska, where they worked side by side for 11 years. Together they then became documentary filmmakers. Their documentary "Aleut Evacuation: The Untold War Story" received an Emmy nomination.

Michael and Mary Jo, his wife of 41 years, were foster parents to 17 children from 2003 until 2019. This experience brought into their lives two wonderfully cherished children whom they adopted and continue to raise in Girdwood, Alaska.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; son, Christopher; and daughter, Aiyanna. He is also survived by three foster grandchildren: Jassiah, Antonyo and Octavius.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother.

Michael was diagnosed with esophageal cancer on Aug. 15, 2023, and was unable to recover from the disease.