Thorpe, Zane C. 1922-2013

THORPE, GAUNTZ, MOLLER

Posted By: S. Ferrall IAGenWeb volunteer
Date: 6/25/2014 at 21:28:34

Leonard Funeral Home obituary, Dubuque, Iowa

Zane C. Thorpe, 90, of Luther Manor, formerly of 1654 Manson Road, died at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013, at Luther Manor.

Services were held Sunday at Leonard Funeral Home & Crematory, 2595 Rockdale Road, with the Rev. David Pacholke officiating and military rites accorded by the Dubuque American Legion Post 6. Burial will be in Rockdale United Methodist Cemetery.

He was born on Oct. 25, 1922, in Lansing, Iowa, son of Ray and Anna (Moller) Thorpe.

Zane proudly served in the Army in Europe during World War II, in the 45th infantry and was awarded a Purple Heart, Good Conduct Metal and Bronze Star.

He married LaVonne "Bonnie" Gauntz on Sept. 27, 1952, in Lansing; she preceded him in death.

Zane worked for the City of Dubuque from 1967 until 1987 as the City Of Dubuque forester. From the time he was a child Zane thrived in nature. Farm life in Lansing and subsequently in his job for the City of Dubuque led him to have a great knowledge of trees plants and birds. He had a uncanny method of predicting the weather based on his observations of nature.

Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Monte (Pam) Thorpe, of Dubuque; and two granddaughters, Alexandra and Abigail Thorpe.

He also was preceded in death by his parents; and 14 siblings, Walter, Elsworth, Evelyn, Nida, Charles, Milford, Reah, Leta, Lawrence, Lee, Bashamuth, Dell, Shirley and Gene.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Dubuque and Luther Manor.

Monte, Pam and the girls would like to thank the staff of Oak Park Place, Luther Manor and Hospice of Dubuque for helping Zane these last years.