ROBERT THORPEN

ROBERT THORPEN

     Robert Harry Thorpen passed away peacefully at St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, IL, Jan. 8, 2023. He was born May 8, 1945, to Harry and Gladys (Pederson) Thorpen at the Thorpen farm home near Osseo, WI. His first three years of school were spent at the Holen School, a one-room school about three miles from the family farm. When this little school closed, he spent the next three years at a two-room school in Northfield, WI. Junior high and two years of high school were spent at the Hixton High School. Following its closure in 1961, he then attended and graduated from the Osseo High School in 1963.

     He and Diane (Hogstad) were married in 1963, and shortly thereafter they moved to Aurora, IL, where Robert had obtained employment with Caterpillar. From that union, two sons were born, Donald and Daniel. Robert and Diane later divorced. He married Patricia (Johnson) in 1985. His employment with Caterpillar continued until his retirement in 1997. During those years, he worked closely with UAW Local 145, served on the executive board for a number of years, worked as a benefits specialist and finally as financial secretary.   

     Following his retirement from Caterpillar, he hired himself out as a “farm hand” to a local farmer for several years. His other interests included woodworking, reading, doing crossword puzzles and going to car shows. He especially loved Chevys and owned several throughout the years.

     Robert is survived by his loving wife, Pat; sons Don (Carol) and Dan (Kim); and stepdaughters Michelle (Dave) and Christine. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; his sister, Mary Ann Sindelar; and nieces Kathy (Jeff) Stefan and Ann Marie Sindelar. 

     He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Gladys Thorpen, and brother-in-law Chuck Sindelar. 

     A celebration of life will be held in Illinois Jan. 28. Memorials are suggested to South Beef River Lutheran Church (N12798 County Road B, Osseo, WI 54758).