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THORNTON, Ralph Vernon 1924-2012

THORNTON, BROWN, LUCHAU

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 2/17/2012 at 16:25:48

CHARLES CITY, IOWA - Ralph V. Thornton, 87, of Charles City, died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012, at his home.

There will be a Celebration of Life reception from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, at the Charles City YMCA. Inurnment will be at a later date.

Ralph Vernon Thornton was born May 13, 1924, at Keokuk, the son of Nobel and Opha (Brown) Thornton. He graduated from Keokuk High School, Eastern Montana University and furthered his education at the University of North Dakota. Ralph proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II, serving aboard the USS Barataria AVP33 in the South Pacific.

On September 25, 1969, he was united in marriage to Judith Luchau. Ralph was a YMCA Youth Director in Keokuk from 1946-1953 and at Billings, Montana, from 1953-1960, Executive Director at Grand Forks, North Dakota, from 1960-1969 and at Charles City from 1969 until his retirement in 1988. He then did part-time work with the YMCA Foundation until he was unable because of poor health.

Ralph was a member of the Noon Kiwanis, Floyd County Historical Society and Charles City Art Center. He was a collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia. Ralph will always be remembered for his emphasis on fitness with running being of most importance.

Living family members include his wife, Judith Thornton of Charles City; six children, Sandra Willier of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada; Douglas (Sharon) Thornton of Rock Hill, S.C.; Jeff (Diane) Thornton of Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada; Scott Thornton of Fort Myers, Fla.; Gail (Mike) Sullivan of Grand Forks, N.D.; and Gary Christianson of Algona; 10 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; and two nieces and two nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Loren; and a sister, Betty Hornung.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be directed to the Charles City YMCA Foundation, 800 Hulin, Charles City, IA 50616.

The Hauser Funeral Home in Charles City, 641-228-2323, is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

[ Text and photo from Mason City Globe Gazette online, February 17, 2012 ]


 

Floyd Obituaries maintained by LaVern Velau.
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