John Robert Thorson, 85, of Darien, IL, died at home Sept. 9, 2014.

Obituary provided by Modell Funeral Home

John was born in Wisconsin Rapids, WI, to parents Clarence Thorson and Addie Mae (nee) Margeson. He graduated from Blanchardville High School and served in the U.S. Navy, 1946-48. The GI Bill allowed John to attend Ripon College, class of 1952, where he met and married Joan (nee) LeMense in 1953, with whom he had three children, Terry, Tom, and Jim. He later married Lyn (nee) Friday in 1983.

John was a teacher and a principal before receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin in 1966. He went on to serve as superintendent of schools in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and (former) HS District #88 and Hinsdale Township HS District #86 in Illinois. John loved golfing with his buddies, travel, and the Green Bay Packers. He is survived by his daughter Terry Thorson (Shepherdstown WV), son Tom Thorson (Oak Park IL), and granddaughters Leah, Erika, Tierney, Lourdra, and Gilleece.

John’s Last Deck Party will be held October 12. For information, contact john@terrythorson.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Smithsonian Institution are appreciated.