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Facts and Events
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Obituary
John G. "Jack" Thorpe Jr.
Thorpe, John G. Jr. "Jack" Age 87 of St. Paul, John died peacefully on Wednesday, April 20, 2011. He was born in Trinidad, Colorado and grew up in Springfield, Missouri. He attended Parks Air College/St. Louis, America's first federally certified school of aviation, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Maintenance Engineering in late 1943. He worked for Northwest Airlines in Ohio and then St. Paul. Realizing that he was about to be drafted, he joined the U.S. Navy, and served from 1944 to 1946 as an aviation machinist. After discharge, he returned to St. Paul, where he then worked for Northwest Airlines for 42 years, beginning as a mechanic and retiring in 1988 as a production planner for Northwest's fleet of DC-10s. He was much valued by his co-workers for his friendliness, honesty, and attention to detail. He enjoyed 25 years of retirement, playing golf at every opportunity. He was preceded in death by his wife Evelyn "Dolly" Rindlisbacher Thorpe, and his brother Robert Thorpe of St. Louis. He is survived by his daughter, Victoria Thorpe Miller of Hales Corners, WI; his beloved grandchildren, Danica Lovings of DeKalb, IL and John Milotzky of Muskego, WI.; 2 great- grandchildren; also several nieces and nephews in the Twin Cities and the St. Louis area. He was a favorite with his family, friends, and co-workers for his strong code of personal ethics, his unfailing sense of humor, and his sensitive, affectionate nature. He moved to a care center in Franklin, Wisconsin, last July, and in the eight months he was there he charmed staff and residents alike. Though disabled, he enjoyed life as best he could, and not long before his death he briefly roused himself to say to his grandson, "It was a good landing." At his request, there will be no funeral. He will be interred at a private family ceremony at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Anyone wishing to remember him is asked to honor his lifelong love of animals by giving a contribution to an Animal Humane Society Chapter in your area. Arr. Natural Burial and Cremation by Willwerscheid West Heights (651-457-7938)
Published in Star Tribune on April 24, 2011
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