William Martin Thorn's Obituary
William Martin Thorn, age 90, passed away Monday morning in Grand Haven following a short illness. He was born the eldest of four children in Austin, IL on June 5, 1920 to Martin and Elsie (Rasmussen) Thorn. William was a graduate of the Illinois Institute of Technology where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering. He served his country during WWII as an officer in the U.S. Army and it was during his time of service that he met the former Ruth J. Knudsen of Muskegon in Seattle, WA, they married in Muskegon at Our Savior's Lutheran Church on March 15, 1945 where her father served as pastor. Following the war, Mr. Thorn was employed as an electrical engineer at Commonwealth Edison in Chicago. He and Ruth resided in Oak Park, IL and were members of the Austin Messiah Lutheran Church where Bill sang in the choir. He was also a member of the Luther League, and the Sons of Norway. Bill and Ruth enjoyed square dancing and traveled to many places with their square dance friends. Bill and Ruth moved to Spring Lake in 2001 to be near their niece Kamie Fortier and once again became members at Our Savior's Lutheran Church. Mr. Thorn is survived by his: wife, Ruth of Spring Lake; a son Philip of Downers Grove, Il; grandson, Philip (P.J) Thorn of Roselle, IL; granddaughter, Brett Erin (Arthur) Thorn Salinas of Chicago; and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at, Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 1132 Southern Ave, Friday, 11:00 A.M., Rev. Karen Biggerstaff officiating. Visitation: with family, one hour prior. Memorial Contributions: Our Savior's Lutheran Church.
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