Leonard was born February 27, 1922 at home near Grindstone, SD to Joe and Cora (Hovey) Thorson. He was the oldest of six children. He was united in marriage to Phillis Pierce on October 16, 1948 in Rapid City. They farmed and ranched in the Grindstone area until moving to Philip in 1992. Leonard had the mail route to Milesville for nearly fifty years. One year he received recognition for outstanding service on the agri-talk radio program.
Leonard graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1940. He attended college in Mitchell and Spearfish and taught the Dean school before enlisting in the Navy in December 1942. He served as an aviation machinist mate aboard the aircraft carrier Ticonderoga (the Big T) during World War II. He served through three major battles in the Pacific. During one, his ship was struck by Kamikaze pilots, resulting in 700 deaths. Though badly burned, the ship made it back to its homeport in Seattle. Attending his ship’s reunions led to many lasting friendships. The Honor Flight to Washington D.C. to view the World War II Memorial in August of 2009 was a special highlight for him.
For 20 years Leonard and Phillis spent winters in Port Aransas, Texas where he enjoyed deep-sea fishing, playing cards, square dancing, and picking up sea shells as he walked on the beach.
Leonard’s tree farm was his pride and joy. He spent many hours hoeing weeds and “talking to his trees.” He enjoyed gardening and sharing his produce. Persistence and determination proved he could do anything he set his mind to. He inspired us and touched all our lives. His greatest joy was watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He especially liked watching his grandsons Marcus and Blake mow his yard. He was proud of his grandchildren who got good educations and a memorial is established for a scholarship for a Philip graduate.
Grateful for having shared his life are his wife of 61 years, Phillis; four children, Bill Thorson of Belle Fourche, Coral (Josh) Sand of Spearfish, and Bob Thorson and Crystal Martinez of Philip; siblings Mildred Radway, Maxine O’Reilly, Corwin (Zoni) Thorson, Janice (Bart) Parsons, and sister-in-law JoAnn Thorson; eight grandchildren, Troy Thorson of Loveland, CO, Carrie (Jonathan) Nygard of Black Hawk, Jenny Sand of Spearfish, Kirby (Megan) Sand of Corvalis, OR, David (Cori) Burnett of Greenville, SC, Melissa (Eric) Holland of Lake Crystal, MN, and Marcus and Blake Martinez of Philip; six great grandchildren, Jaxon Zeller-Thorson, Carson Nygard, Savannah Holland, Tessa Holland, Jefferson Sand, and Cora Sand; and many individual family members linked together by a golden chain of love. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Lauren Thorson; two brothers-in-law, Bob Radway and Loren O’Reilly; and one sister-in-law, Margo Thorson.
The family would like to express a great thank you to the staff of Fort Meade Veterans Hospice.
A celebration of life service was held 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 2, at the First Lutheran Church in Philip.
Funeral services were held 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 3, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Kathy Chesney and Pastor Al Brucklacher officiating.
Interment with military honors and Masonic rites, was at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Leonard Thorson Memorial Scholarship at Philip High School.
Cards may be sent to Phillis Thorson, 22077 Park Ave. Philip, SD 57567
FAREWELL CELEBRATION
Monday, May 3, 2010 - 10:00 a.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
OFFICIATING
Pastor Kathy Chesney
Al Brucklacher - Former Pastor, Neighbor and Friend
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage - Pianist
Grandchildren - Vocalists
"Remember When"
Congregational Hymns
"Because He Lives"
"I'll Fly Away"
USHERS
Bill Gottsleben - Don Poss - Loren Kiel
ACTIVE PALLBEAERERS
Kieth Smith - John Knutson
Doug Hauk - Bill Buls
Rod Knutson - Denny Kennedy
INTERMENT WITH MASONIC RITES AND MILITARY HONORS
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota
Guest Book
What a wonderful man! I've known Leonard and Phillis to be one of the most loving, kind, and generous people around. They both love fun, family and their faith in Jesus. Leonard always had that twinkle in his eye when joking letting you know how delighted he was with your company and that he pulled one over on you.
I remember how he would daily come over to see Lauren, in his last years, and the two brothers would have go to coffee together and never run out of things to laugh about.
My prayers are for your comfort as you adjust to living without his smile, love and sense of humor. My praise is this is only see you later....due to his personal faith in the Lord, that he daily lived.
With love,
~ Rebecca Williams
Philip (4/26/2010)
To the entire Thorson family, sorry for your loss. It's never easy to lose a loved one and no matter how much we prepare it's still tough. Thoughts and prayers with each of you in the days and weeks ahead.
~ Tom and Jane Aasby
Rapid City, SD (4/26/2010)
Our sympathy on your loss! What a truly gentle man and love he had for his family and friends! I know you will truly miss him- but cherish the memories!
~ Shelia Trask
Wasta SD (4/26/2010)
Leonard was a gem! We remember finding baby jammies in our mailbox after the birth of each boy...and know in years gone by now for good, that Leonard (and Bob) brought sunshine to many secret sisters in our community when they made sure that those special packages got to their destination-because that's what friends do. We enjoyed Leonard's visiting, and always reacted the same each year when another anniversary announcement made the papers, "Wow! They've been married HOW long?!?!?" God Bless and keep you all at this sad time, may you find comfort in knowing what a wonderful man you shared with the community for so many years!
~ Jason and Vonda Hamill
Milesville (4/26/2010)
How shocked we were to read of Leonard's passing. There will always be a special place in our hearts for Leonard and Phillis. May the love of family and friends help comfort you during your time of sorrow.
~ Dave & Karen Webb
Rapid City SD (4/26/2010)
Please except our condolences on the loss of Leonard Butch and Chyrl Amsden
~ Butch Amsden
Santa Rosa Ca (4/26/2010)
Phillis, Crystal, Bob and all the family,
Sorry to hear of Leonard's death. His death will be a great loss to you all and to the community. He was such a generous and gracious person--the light of Christ truly shown through him. Phillis and Leonard invited me sit with them at the first Fireman's Ball I ever attended in Philip, when I didn't know anyone. I remember his compassionate spirit for everyone. I know his death will leave a emptyness in your hearts and lives. I pray God will strengthen you all and give you peace during this great time of loss and pain.
~ Mark Ford
St. Cloud, MN (4/26/2010)
What a wonderful example of God's work Leonard was! He loved live, lived life and shared with all of us. Please know we all share your loss. We were blessed to be neighbors and friends for so many years. I loved to talk with him about the history of our area. He was very knowledgeable. Our hearts go out to you all.
~ Julie Nixon
22401 Deadman Creek Road Philip, Sd (4/26/2010)
Bill, Sorry to get your email so soon. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time or sorrow but know that Dad no longer has any pain or suffering! We'll be in touch soon. Mark
~ Mark and Shirley Garry
Garretson SD (4/26/2010)
Leonard was a special person. We have so many good memories of our daily mail delivery. He always had a smile and a wave no matter where he met you. Leonard and (Bob) always brought stamps out or paid for a package without question asked. Left us a note of the amount. So many special memories of a very special man. Our deepest sympathy to all of you. God Bless
~ Ralph & Cathy Fiedler
2130 Ellen St Sturgis, S. D. (4/26/2010)
We are so sorry to hear of Leonard's passing. He had such a very kind and gentle spirit. Our condolences to the Thorson family, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~ Dave & Cheryl Dick
Beloit, KS (4/26/2010)
I am so sorry about the passing Mr. Thorson. Coral and I were roommates in college and I met him on several occasions. What a nice man. Dave and I extend our sympathies to the family.
~ Sandy Olsen (Sherburne)
1700 Meadow Lane, Gillette, Wy. 82718 (4/26/2010)
we are so sorry to hear of leonard's passing. he was a very caring and loving man. i always enjoyed his four o'clocks he planted out by the trees. i will miss seeing the beauty of them. our love, thoughts, and prayers are with all of you!!! love, kenny and nancy
~ nancy and kenny neville
philip,s.d. (4/26/2010)
Leonard was a very special friend and neighbor, he was always eager to feed our animals when we were gone, no matter what time of the year. We enjoyed our visits in our backyards, along the road, and in their tree patch. We will cherish the memories of all the dances we shared with Phillis and Leonard. Our thoughts and prayers are with each and every one of you.
~ Les and Joann Pearson
Philip, SD (4/26/2010)
Dear Thorson Family,
We are so sorry to hear about Leonard. My parents thought you folks were some of the GREATEST people they
knew. They always enjoyed the card games played and the visits they had with you all. You have our love and prayers. Tom and Kamie Carmichael
~ Tom and Kamie Carmichael
Delta Co. (4/26/2010)
Dear Thorson Family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Leonard. What a nice man and a wonderful person. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all in this sad time.
~ Theresa Pekron
Westminster, CO (4/26/2010)
Phillis & Family, Stacy Dole told me today about Leonard. Please know that I am thinking of you and keeping you in my prayers! I so enjoyed my stay at your house & the time we spent together last month! Stacy kept me informed of Leonard's stay at Ft Meade and was really glad you had the support of the VA, Hospice & your family during this time. Phillis, I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts! You are such a special person and I wish I could have known Leonard better. Sincerely, Larra Miner, Rapid City SD
~ Larra Miner
3910 Corral Drive Rapid city SD 57702 (4/26/2010)
Prayers for all of you.
Connie Richards & Colleen Clements
~ Connie Clements Richards
Cedar Rapids IA (4/26/2010)
Phillis and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Leonard was a great man and always so kind. Remember all the good time and that he is not suffering any more and is in Gods Hands.
~ Leonard and Ruby Sanftner
Kadoka (4/26/2010)
Phillis and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you. Lenard was a great,kind,loving and caring person. You will be miss tons Lenard. Lenard and Phillis thank you so much for being such great God Parents to my mom- Judy.
Love you and miss you tons Lenard. Audra,Judy and Wayne
~ Audra Yanda
Carlsbad,CA (4/26/2010)
Phillis and family, So sorry to hear about Leonard. The Big T mini-reunions we had for so many years were so much fun for the guys and also the wives. Great memories. I'm sure they are enjoying another great reunion in heaven. My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Pat
~ Pat Merges
Mt. Prospect, IL (4/26/2010)
Phyllis and Family.
I want to express my deepest sympathy to the Thorson Family upon the death of Leonard. He is a Godly person who will be missed by his family and his friends.
God Bless You
Pastor Don
~ Don Lagge
600 1st St. # 2; Golden; Co 80403 (4/26/2010)
Dear Phillis,I announced Leonard's passing in church and put your family on the Prayer Chain. Everyone who knew you here in Port A. send their sincere condolences. God Bless.
~ Paula Harbaugh
Port Aransas, Texas (4/26/2010)
He was a good man, of which there are too few these days. You don't have to worry about him, he is home now. Our prayers will go to his family, may their grief be tempered with memories of this fine man.
~ Gus & Jodi Lutjens
Sisseton SD (4/26/2010)