Thor Thorson

The family of Thor A. Thorson of Eau Claire, WI are saddened to announce his passing on November 12, 2025, at the age of 81 at Milestone Senior Living, due to ultimately losing in a short battle with Cancer.

He was born on April 23, 1944, to Anton "Tony" and Esther (nee' Klatt) Thorson in Minneapolis, MN. He was the third son born, and the middle son of triplets. As he would love to say with a twinkle in his eye, that he was "a rose between two thorns". Growing up, he lived first in Minnesota, then in West Virginia, Michigan, and Washington. He then graduated from high school in 1962 and upon graduation, enlisted into the United States Navy.

While proudly serving in the Navy, he rose through the ranks to the rank of Chief Petty Officer in pattern making, serving aboard repair vessels stationed in California, Hawaii, among other places. He was also a Naval Recruiter during the Vietnam War in Eau Claire, WI where he met and married the love of his life, Mary (Cathy) Sanders, in 1970. Following recruiting duty, he was stationed overseas in Scotland, where his small family joined him. After duty overseas, his duty stations placed him in South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia; where he ultimately retired after twenty years of service, in 1981.

He entered into marriage with Cathy on July 20, 1970, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Eau Claire, WI. From there, they had two beautiful children, Thor Jr. and Jennifer. After retiring from the Navy, he and his family lived in Washington state and then settled in Eau Claire, WI in 1983. He worked for private patternmaking firms, along with a career at Walmart Distribution, to which he retired after 16 years. Thor was a very creative and industrious person, which was reflected in his hobbies. He enjoyed scuba diving earlier in his life; he also enjoyed leatherworking, carpentry, and refurbishing older vehicles. One of his last projects was his 1932 Pontiac.

He was a member of St. James the Greater Catholic Church where he would volunteer his time with making cabinets for the church, and positions of acolyte, greeter, usher, and eucharistic minister. He was also a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Cathy of Eau Claire, son Thor Jr. (Jennifer) of Chippewa Falls, WI, and Jennifer (Matt) Falck of Big Lake, MN. Grandchildren Alex, Daunte, Gavin, and Trista; eldest brother Merlin (Jett) of Tennessee, triplet brother Edwin of Milwaukee, WI; sister-in-law Elaine Mattsen of Hermantown, MN; niece Jenny Lynn (Chris) Kirsch; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins near and far across the country.

He is preceded in death by his parents Tony and Esther, numerous uncles and aunts; triplet brother Rudy; brothers/sisters-in-law Fred and Joanne Sanders, Virginia and James Redburn, Bonnie Thorson; Elaine Mattsen's special friend, John Novy; nephews Michael and Kevin Redburn, and numerous other extended family members.

Thor always had a smile on his face, and usually a humorous story to share with others, but he wasn't above pranking people. The one beverage he enjoyed above all was coffee without additives. One event that stands out was the time that he wanted a fresh pot of coffee. He called home, disguised his voice: saying that his name was "Axle Johnson" and that he was a shipmate from one of his former commands. He was passing through town and wanted to visit for a while. Once directions were provided, Cathy had her kids do a "flight of the bumblebee" cleaning, vacuuming, and brewing the all-important pot of coffee. When he returned home and was told that his shipmate Axle Johnson was going to be there any minute, he bowled over laughing. Once he could catch his breath, he explained that he invented Axle Johnson, so that he would have a fresh pot of coffee when he returned home.

Visitation is on Thursday, November 20th at 11 a.m. and services will begin at noon at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Eau Claire, WI. A luncheon will immediately follow along with burial with full military honors at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Eau Claire, WI.

The family would love to thank his doctors at Oakleaf Clinics - Pine Grove Family Medicine and Mayo Health Systems - Cancer Center: Dr. Thompson, and Dr. Burns; the staff and nurses of Milestone Senior Living; along with Heartland Hospice for taking great care of him with such compassion and caregiving.

Dad, you have always been an inspiration to us all and know that you were truly loved by your family and among your numerous friends. We loved your sense of humor and know that we will see you again.

Rest in heaven.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.