Thorson, Robert Duane

Robert Duane Thorson, 88, of Cedar Rapids, died Saturday, March 2, 2013, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha after a long illness. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Monday at St. Matthew Catholic Church. The Rev. David Beckman will officiate. Entombment at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday and at the church after 9 a.m. Monday.

Survivors include his daughter, Rebecca (Tom) Pardonek of Cedar Rapids; two sons, Michael (Teresa) of Sequim, Wash., and Robert Shawn of Cedar Rapids; and a sister, Violet (Jack) Leinen of Hampton. Bob is also survived by two grandchildren, Sydney Pardonek and Taylor Thorson; and Catherine Larson, his companion from Cedar Rapids. He was preceded in death by his wife; three sisters, Ivadell, Dorothy, and Jeanie; and three brothers, Martin, Otto, and Ted.

Bob was born on Oct. 13, 1924, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Otto and Anna Erickson Thorson. He married Mary Anne O'Meara on Oct. 26, 1950, in Cedar Rapids. She died in 2002. Bob worked at Rockwell-Collins as manager of micrographics for over 36 years, retiring in 1991.

He was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, the Elks Club, and served in the Navy during World War II. Bob volunteered for several years at Ellis Golf Course.

Bob was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing cards with his friends, especially poker. He spent many hours reading a wide variety of books. In his earlier years Bob also played bridge and spent time woodworking and creating many gifts for his family. Watching football, basketball, and golf on TV were events Bob looked forward to. He especially enjoyed time spent with his family. Family and friends will miss his sharp sense of humor and strong will.

Memorial donations may be given to the National Kidney Foundation. Please leave a message or tribute to Bob's family on our website under obituaries.

Published March 6, 2013 in The Gazette