Walter Thoennes

Walter Steve Thoennes was born October 19, 1930 in Effington Township, MN, the son of Stephen and Agnes (Freske) Thoennes. He graduated from Brandon High School and began farming with his father. In 1953 Walter joined the United States Army. He served in Germany. In 1955 he was honorably discharged and he returned to the family farm. Walter drove a gas truck for a short time before settling down. On May 20, 1958 Walter was united in marriage to Alice Wagner. The couple made their home on the home farm and they were blessed with one daughter, Lisa. Walter farmed his dairy farm until retiring in1982. He continued working, helping out the area farmers; he especially enjoyed working with Paul Bitzan. Aviation was one of Walter?s interests. He earned his pilot?s license and flew his own Cessna for many years. At age forty-nine Walter began skydiving. He went to many air shows at Oshkosh, WI with his brothers-in-laws, Floyd and Lenard. Walter also enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Spending time with his grandchildren was very special to Walter; he loved taking naps with them. On Wednesday, February 13, 2013 Walter died at the age of eighty-two years. He is survived by his wife, Alice Thoennes of Millerville; MN; daughter, Lisa Wussow and husband, Joel, of Miltona, MN; two grandchildren, Derek Quinn and Tara Luedloff; four great grandchildren, Brook, Aja, and Kira Quinn and Devin Luedloff; one brother, Kenneth Thoennes and wife, Jeanie, of Escondido, CA; and one sister, Jean Morgan of West Fargo, ND. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at the Church of Our Lady of the Seven Dolors in Millerville. Reverend Father Leroy Scheierl was the celebrant. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Casket bearers included Derek Quinn, Mike Wagner, Mark Wagner, Shannon Luedloff, John Morgan and Joe Morgan. The Millerville American Legion accorded military honors. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.