John Thorson, 79, of Newark passed away on Tuesday morning, November 3, 2020 at his home, surrounded by his family.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 6, 2020 at Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church in Ottawa with Pastor Randy Mortenson, officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service, at the church. Burial will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral home in Ottawa.

John was born on November 9, 1940 in Wedron to Jonas and Gladys Sylvia (Peterson) Thorson. He married Karen Younggren on July 11, 1964 at the Salem Lutheran Brethren Church in Duluth, MN. John worked for Caterpillar for 30 years and also drove a bus in Yorkville for 25 years.

He was a veteran of the US Army.

John was very active member of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church. He loved his family especially attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting events. John spent his life dedicated to other people. He spent years volunteering at PADS. His house was open to anyone, and he didn't know a stranger. John would give you the shirt off of his back.

He is survived by his wife: Karen; three sons: John (Michelle) Thorson of Oak Harbor, WA, Mark (Kim Laflamme-Thorson) Thorson of Bradley, IL, and Matthew Thorson of Woodridge, IL; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three brothers: Thomas (Jean) Thorson of Harding, David Thorson of Champaign, IL, and Rueben (Sonya) Thorson of Rio Rancho, NM; and a sister: Phyllis (Johnny) Monsen of Burnsville, MN.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Grace Martin and Thordys Peggler; and a brother: Jonas, in infancy.

Memorials may be directed to Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church or PADS.

*Cemetery plot added by contributor "JL" (51304425) on 18 Apr 2024.