Donna F. Thorn, 75, Sutherland

A memorial service for Donna F. Thorn was held Monday, Nov. 13, 2023 at the United Methodist Church in Sutherland. Pastor David Morris officiated.

Honorary pallbearers were Evan and Rachel Thorn, Erica and Dillan Anderson, Easton Thorn, Justin Thorn, Braeden Thorn, Matthew Hines, Nathan Hines, Trevor Thorn and Tia Thorn. Interment was in Waterman Township Cemetery at Sutherland. Hartley Funeral Home assisted with the arrangements.

Donna Faye Thorn, third child of Leo Earl and Marguerite F. “Faye” (Meehlhause) Groen, was born July 11, 1948 in Primghar. She spent her childhood in Hartley where she received her education, graduating from Hartley High School with the Class of 1966.

Donna became the bride of Bradley Thorn on Jan. 27, 1968, at Trinity United Church of Christ in Hartley. Brad had recently returned to the states from his overseas tour of duty with the United States Army. When he left to complete his enlistment, Donna went with him. During this time they were stationed at Fort Riley, Kan., Camp McCoy, Wis., and Fort Campbell, Ky. After Brad’s honorable discharge they returned to Iowa, living in Sioux City, Hartley and Sheldon before settling in Sutherland, calling it “home” for 50 years. Their family grew to include three sons: Brent, Jason and Jeff.

Over the years, Donna had been employed at Simonsen Iron Works in Sioux Rapids, served as bookkeeper for the Old P.O. in Sutherland and acted as office manager for their family business, Brad’s Pump Service, in Sutherland. While each day held its own set of challenges, nothing was more important to her than raising their three boys and taking care of a hard-working husband. She managed to balance the responsibilities of a job while making sure their household ran smoothly.

Not one to sit still for long, Donna created memories with everything she did. Fun times to remember included camping trips with family and friends, watching her sons, and later her grandchildren, participate in their various activities. She was anxiously anticipating becoming a great-grandma this January and again in May, continuing her love to the next generation. She and Brad liked to ride motorcycles, go UTV trail riding or just travel around the country together. They enjoyed being together at family gatherings as well as socializing with their friends. Donna very seldom missed morning coffee downtown with her crew and usually had a book going at home.

While the kids were in school, Donna was a Cub Scout leader and was involved in the high school Boosters Club. She was a member of the Century 3 Club, the American Legion Auxiliary, the United Methodist Church and also served as an election official for the Sutherland area.

Donna passed from this life on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023, at the age of 75 years. She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Brad Thorn, of Sutherland; her sons and their wives: Brent and Kristin Thorn, of Spirit Lake; Jason and Dana Thorn, of Osceola; and Jeff and Kari Thorn, of Kansas City, Mo.; nine grandchildren; her brothers, Ken (Cindi) Groen and Kevin (Marcia) Groen, and one sister, Sandy Nelson, all of Hartley; many nieces and nephews; other relatives and a host of friends.

Loved ones having gone before include her parents, Leo (2007) and Faye (2015) Groen; father and mother-in-law, Mike and Marie Thorn; her brother, Alan Groen; nephew, Mike Nelson; and brother-in-law, Don Nelson.