Lawrence J. Thoune

Lawrence J. Thoune, 87, passed away at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare on Thursday, February 12, 2009.

Larry was born in Menominee, MI, on January 26, 1922, to Goldie Joseph and Sarah (nee: Barette) Thoune. He moved to Racine in 1943, shortly after their marriage was blessed at Holy Name Catholic Church. Larry served in the United States Army in the European Theater 28th Division and 110th Infantry Regiment during WWII. He married Betty R. Christensen at Holy Communion Lutheran Church on August 11, 1945. She preceded him in death on November 4, 2007. Larry was employed at J.I Case Company until his retirement in 1987. He was a member of St. Edward Catholic Church, where he served as a Eucharistic Minister, an Usher, and Assistant Scout Master. Larry was also a member of Ives Grove Senior Men’s Golf League and a member of Local #180 Case 20-year club.

He is survived by his sons, Lawrence “Bud” (fiancée Nancy Summer) Thoune and daughter-in-law, Becky Grimsrurd of Vancouver, WA, and Richard “Dick” (Terry) Thoune of Racine; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; twin sister, Florence Daley of Livonia, MI; sisters, Marion Carvenough and Sharon Ruleau; and brother, Melvin Kiefer (Joanne) Thoune. Larry is also survived by his special friends, Shirley and Evert Carlson. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Carol Larsen; brothers-in-law, Corky Larsen, Jack Daley, Augie Christensen, Willis Carvenough, Robert Ruleau and Robert Dean; sister-in-law, Dotie Dean; and grandson, Dustin Thoune.

The Mass of Christian Burial for Larry will be held at St. Edward Catholic Church, 1425 Grove Ave., on Thursday, February 19, 2009, at 1:30 p.m., celebrated by Rev. Allen Bratkowski. Entombment will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy. 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the church on Thursday from noon until the time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorials to St. Edward Catholic Church or St. Sebastian School have been suggested.

The family would like to thank the Wheaton Franciscan ICU and Pastoral Care staff for your compassion and support extended to Larry in his time of need. You are all special people. God Bless.

Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory
3915 Douglas Ave., Racine (262) 639-8000