Virgil E Thorn

Virgil Edward Thorn, age 87, of Mankato died Sunday, May 15, 2005 at Mankato Lutheran Home.

A 10:00 a.m. Saturday service will be held at Grace Lutheran Church with Rev. Joel Erickson officiating. Burial will be in Mount Olivet Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday at Mankato Mortuary and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. Memorials are preferred to Mount Olivet Cemetery, Grace Lutheran Church, or to an organization of the donors choice.

Virgil was born June 28, 1917 in St. Paul, Minnesota to Otto E. and Laura (Jacobson) Thorn. He was a St. Peter High School graduate. On October 18, 1941, he married Jeanette Palmer in Mankato. Virgil entered the US Air Force, was educated in electrical and airplane mechanics. He served in World War II and was honorably discharged.

Virgil was employed with Sears for 42 years and retired in 1982. He was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where he had been active and served as a former board member. He continued his memberships with the American Legion, VFW, Golden K, and Masonic Lodge. Virgil spent his time on his hobby farm and traveling, especially to the military service reunions.

Mr. Thorn is survived by his wife, Jeanette Thorn of Mankato; two sons and their wives, Gary and Margaret Thorn of North Oaks, MN, Dale and Janice Thorn of Lone Tree, CO; four grandchildren, Kristin and her husband, Jon Stern, Karin and her husband, John Olson, Abby and Tyler Thorn; a great-granddaughter, Serena A. Stern; two sisters, Gladys Spurgeon of Mankato, Delores Richardson and husband, Lou of Loveland, CO; a brother, Donald Thorn of Madelia; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, and his brother, Dennis.