"Dear Mr. and Mrs Thoren and Father. We are so sorry to hear about the lose of David. We were out of town and just got back to find this out. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything just let us know. Love John, Karen and Bobby"
In loving memory of
David Allan Thoren
December 11, 1952 - March 31, 2002
David Allan Thoren, 49, of Fairfield, Iowa, died Sunday evening, March 31, 2002 at Iowa University Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa after a six week illness.
Mr. Thoren was born on December 11, 1952 in Marquette. He graduated in 1975 from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art. He then returned to NMU where he eventually attained a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. He also served in the U.S. Army at Ft. Lewis, Washington as a helicopter medic.
At the time of his death David had been working as a technician in the health department at the Raj in Fairfield. In his spare time he worked as a referee for the United States Hockey League, worked on various projects at the Fairfield Theater and participated in the Country English Dance Club. He was also involved in the research of genetic engineering of seeds.
Davids hobbies included organic gardening and political activism.
He is survived by his parents, Rollin and Betty (Neault) Thoren of Little Lake; eight brothers and sisters, Ellen (Jack) Bureau of Minneapolis, MN, Sonny (Carol) Thoren of LAnse, Karen (Peter) Christensen of Clawson, MI, Rev. Guy S. Thoren of Harvey, Jean (Tom) Haas of Duluth, MN, Joan (Bob) Lantzy of Macomb Township, Mary (Frank) Lynott of Phoenix, AZ, and Deacon Don (Sue) Thoren of Marquette; also surviving are many nieces and nephews.
A memorial mass will be held at a later date at St. Louis the King Catholic Church in Harvey with inurnment to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.
The Canale-Tonella Funeral Home of Marquette is assisting the family with arrangements.
Tributes
"What a wonderful life he had out in Iowa. He was loved by all."
"Uncle Dave always did his own thing. His life was about peace and love not material possessions. I wish I had gotten to know him better. R.I.P. Uncle. Love, Cathy"
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Thoren, Father Thoren and Family, Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your son, David. We lost our David 16 years ago come June. Although time has helped us accept our loss, we still think of him everyday, as you do and will your David. You and your family and David will be in our daily prayers. Sincerely, Jack, Carol and Pat Marinich"
"Dave was a good friend of mine in High School. We had some interests in common. I was just looking through one of our yearbooks a few weeks ago and thinking about him. I wish I would have had a chance to talk with him in the last few years."
"How sad it was to read about the passing of a childhood playmate and neighbor - from so many years ago. My mother still lives in Marquette and mailed me the obituary that appeared in the local paper. David was the youngest of nine children and part of a wonderful family that often invited me in to their home. I had no brothers or sisters of my own - and David's large family temporarily made up for that when I was young. The years have separated everyone but the memories of David, his brothers and sisters are always happy ones for me. My sincerest and deepest condolences for your loss. Ann Fontaine"