Thornton, Ronald Dean "Thorny" 1936-2004

THORNTON, RUTH, FRYE, RICHTER, CARVER, SIGAFOOS

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 8/7/2012 at 12:38:16

Ronald D. "Thorny" Thornton, age 67, of Decorah and formerly of Minneapolis, MN., died Monday, April 19, 2004 at his home following a lengthy illness.

Funeral Service is 4:00 P.M. Friday, April 23, 2004 at the Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah by Pastor Michael McCann. His body will be cremated following the services. Inurnment will be in Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah at a later date.

Visitation is Friday, April 23, 2004 from 2:00-4:00 P.M. at the Funeral Home.

Ronald Dean “Thorny” Thornton was born November 13, 1936 in Decorah, Iowa, the son of Andrew P. and Pearl J. (Ruth) Thornton. He graduated from High School and Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he was trained in auto repair.

He was united in marriage with Marilyn I. Frye on February 15, 1958 in Minneapolis. Thorny and Marilyn were married by a Justice of the Peace during their lunch hour and returned to work after the ceremony. To this union three children were born: Raedean, Duane, Cassandra and they adopted their son Michael.

Ron began his career working for Carl Fisher at his 76 Service Station on Nicollet Avenue and 53rd Street in Minneapolis. He later bought the business, renamed it “Thorny’s Service” and repaired cars and pumped gas there for 27 years.

Ron was an avid collector. He enjoyed owning several antique cars and was fond of science fiction. His memberships included the National Rifle Association and the Sons of Norway. Ron’s family is grateful for the compassionate care he received from Stephanie Sigafoos, Cheryl McConnell and Cheryl Dahl.

Ron died Monday, April 19, 2004 at his home following a lengthy illness at the age of 67.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Pearl, his wife, Marilyn on May 26, 1996, and one grandson, Christopher Thornton, on April 9, 2004.

He is survived by two sons, Duane Thornton of Minneapolis, Michael (Kerry) Thornton of Bloomington, MN.; two daughters, Raedean (Gregory) Richter of Minneapolis and Cassandra (Scott) Carver of Buffalo, MN.; three granddaughters, Stephanie Sigafoos, Raeann Richter and Elizabeth Thornton; and a brother, Glen (Deloris) Thornton of Decorah.

Source: Fjelstul Funeral Home database

Lutheran Cemetery, Decorah
 

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