Edward Thoennes

Edward R. Thoennes, age 90, of Urbank, died Monday, August 3, 2015, at Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria.

Mass of Christian Burial is 11:00 a.m., Friday, August 7, 2015, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Urbank with Fr. Peter VanderWeyst and Fr. Herb Gappa officiating. Music is provided by organist Cassandra Kowalski, soloists Yvonne Debilzen, Judy Koep and the church choir. Burial is at the church cemetery.

Visitation is 5-8 p.m., Thursday at the church with a 7 p.m., parish prayer service followed by Knights of Columbus Rosary. The visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Edward Robert Thoennes was born June 15, 1925, to Nicholas and Mary (Terfehr) Thoennes in Effington Township. He was baptized and confirmed at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Urbank. Edward attended country school until the eighth grade. Following his education he began farming with his father. Edward was united in marriage to Ruth Ann Klein November 11, 1947, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Alexandria. Following their marriage they bought a farm across the road from his parents where they farmed and raised their family. Edward was known for being an innovator/inventor, a great accomplishment was receiving a patent on his Badger Barn Cleaner Scraper. Edward was a lifetime, dedicated member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, where he served on parish council, was the first lector, was the churches grounds keeper, and renovated the grotto. He had been a Fourth Degree in the Knights of Columbus. Edward served on the Land O' Lakes Corporate Board, Effington Township Board, Parkers Prairie School Board and Urbank Creamery Board. He was a charter member of the Urbank Lion's Club, was president, the gambling manager for 37 years, and received the Melvin Jones award. Edward enjoyed tractor pulls, playing cards, bird watching, deer hunting, watching the Minnesota Twins, and golfing, earning five holes-in-one. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann; infant son, John; two unborn children; parents; four brothers, Herbert Thoennes, Alphonse Thoennes, Arnold Thoennes and Wilfred Thoennes; three sisters, Helen Klimek, Ida Klimek and Christine Gahlon; grandson, Greg Thoennes; and foster child, Sharon Suchy.

Edward is survived by his four children, Tom (Jackie) Thoennes of Ottertail, Connie (Ed) Maloney of Ramsey, Cathy (Chuck) Debilzen of Parkers Prairie and Tim (Deb) Thoennes of Oakdale; two brothers, Harold Thoennes of Urbank, Walter (Donna) Thoennes of Murrieta, California and Bernard (Bonnie) Gahlon of Parkers Prairie; sister, Lenora Roers of Alexandria; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren, with another expected any day; and many special nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Sean Abernathy, Doug Debilzen, Chris Maloney, Kevin Maloney, Lawrence Spencer, Anthony Thoennes, Troy Thoennes and Andrew Thoennes. Honorary Pallbearers are Missy Abernathy, Angie Debilzen, Katie Wicklund, Jenny Maloney, Charlene Spencer, Melissa Thoennes, Ashley Thoennes, Myla & Jonathon Lindstrand, Krista & Brad Smith, Rochelle & Dennis Berger.

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