Wilfred Thoennes, 82

Wilfred “Willie” Alois Thoennes, 82, Parkers Prairie, died September 17, 2009 at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria.

Wilfred was born January 7, 1927 to Nicholas and Mary (Terfehr) Thoennes in Effington Township, Otter Tail County. He was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Urbank. He grew up on the family farm in Effington Township and attended country school.

Following his education, he served in the U.S. Army where as a corporal he was one of nearly 5,000 soldiers specially selected to observe the 1955 atomic tests in Nevada. He witnessed an atomic explosion from a trench 4,000 yards away. He was stationed in California as a petroleum specialist with the 53rd Quartermaster Subsistence Supply Company.

After his honorable discharge, he returned to the home farm where he farmed with his dad and brother, Harold, for nine years. When his brother Harold went out on his own, Willie stayed on the home farm, where he farmed until moving to Parkers Prairie in 2004.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus and the Millerville American Legion – Inspiration Peak Post #527. He enjoyed ice fishing, dancing, traveling to Las Vegas, visiting casinos and playing cards. He especially enjoyed being on his tractor.

Willie is survived by a sister, Lenora (Florian) Roers of Brandon; three brothers, Edward (Ruth) Thoennes of Urbank, Walter (Donna) Thoennes of California and Harold Thoennes of Urbank; two sisters-in-law, Agatha Thoennes and Beverly Thoennes, both of Alexandria; along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Herbert, Alphonse and Arnold; and three sisters, Ida Klimek, Christina Gahlon and Helen Klimek.

Mass of Christian Burial was held September 21 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Urbank with Fr. LeRoy Scheierl officiating. Music was provided by the Sacred Heart Church Choir. Burial was at the church cemetery.

Pallbearers were Glen Klimek, Jerry Klimek, Cliff Roers, Dennis Thoennes, Arnie Thoennes, Loren Thoennes, Tim Thoennes and Charles Thoennes.

Arrangements are by Lind Family Funeral Service with chapels in Miltona and Parkers Prairie; www.lindfamilyfuneralservice.com.

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