Harland C Thorson

Harland C. Thorson, 66, of Onalaska, passed away at his home on Thursday, July 5th, 2012, with family and close friends at his side.

He was born on October 7, 1945 in Whitehall, WI to Milford and Margaret (Julson) Thorson. Harland received an Associates Degree from WWTC, and worked as a Draftsman at Trane Co. for 44 years. Harland loved sports. He played shortstop for the Trane League Aardvarks for 23 years, and received a lifetime achievement award when he retired. He gave his sons that same love of sports -- watching, coaching, and volunteering with their teams from T-ball through college, rarely missing a game. He instilled in them strong values of dedication, responsibility, and fairness. He quietly and consistently led by example. Later in life, he enjoyed spending time with his grandkids at the park and playground, working on his lawn, volunteering, and tending to his red truck. Harland was a devoted husband, caring father, and loyal friend. He was a silent pillar of strength and support for every life he touched, and was always there when needed.

He is survived by his wife Nancy, three sons, Brian (Melissa) of Madison, Michael (Tammy) of Madison, and Troy (Alicia) of Cedarburg, WI; eight grandchildren, Alexandra, Sayer, McKenna, Mari, Tatum, Joshua, Talia and Jack; a sister, Marion (Eugene) Tetzlaff of Holmen, a sister-in-law, Dena (Gerald) Landry of Mindoro, a brother-in-law, Grant (Bettye) Anderson of Pueblo, CO, a brother-in-law, Tom (Nerrie) Townsend of Arlington Heights, IL; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Eleanor Townsend; a brother, David; and a brother-in-law, Ellsworth Schleifer.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 9th, 2012 at 11:30 AM at First Lutheran Church, Onalaska, with Pastors Jason Stanton and Karyn Bodenschatz officiating. Burial will follow in the Onalaska City Cemetery. Friends may call at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of Onalaska on Sunday from 4:00 7:00 PM and at the church on Monday from 10:30 AM until the time of services.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Harland Thorson Memorial Fund, c/o Associated Bank, 127 Sand Lake Rd, Onalaska, WI. They will support playground equipment for the parks he loved with his grandkids, furthering industrial arts education at Onalaska High School, and cancer research.