ALLYN B. THORSON

Allyn B. Thorson, 88, of rural Hancock passed away on October 1, 2020, peacefully and secure in his Lord and savior, in the arms of Lila, his wife of 58 years, surrounded with the love of his family.

Al was born in Northfield, Minnesota on September 21, 1932 to Archie and Augusta Thorson.  He grew up in the Almond area and attended UW-Stevens Point.  He is a veteran of the Korean War, serving in the Army’s 10th Mountain Division, where he received specialized training for action in mountainous and arctic conditions, as well as the 25th Infantry Division, “Tropic Lightning,” based in Hawaii.  He served in security in Headquarters of Regimental Headquarters, and in his division’s Color Guard.

Al was a master of building, fixing, remodeling and repairing homes, garages, utility sheds, and any building.  He had a deep affinity with nature, enjoying camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, and country living.  His marksmanship trophies likely deterred any would-be window peepers.

Al was honored with a seat on a Badger Honor Flight to Washington DC in May, 2013 where he saw our nation’s memorials, created for him and his fellow veterans; he received a hero’s welcome home.  In 2019, Al was honored as one of 51 veterans selected to join the 2020 “Return to Korea” week-long Old Glory Honor Flight, canceled due to COVID.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, are daughter Janet (John) Knoeller, son Andy Thorson, and Andy’s sons, Aaron (Estrella) and Alex; favorite nephew and godson, Dick Loeper; great nephew Justin (Kristen) Loeper, and daughter, Nora.  He is further survived by additional nieces and nephews, cousins, relatives and many friends.

Al’s beloved and greatly anticipated first great grandson, Allyn Bear, son of Aaron and Estrella, preceded him in death on September 9, 2020, as well as his parents, brother, Doug (Karen) Thorson and sister, Barbara Thorson.

Graveside services and military honors were held on Thursday, October 8, at Plainfield Cemetery, Plainfield. Leikness Funeral Home, Wautoma assisted the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be given at www.wautomafuneralhome.com.