Arnold R. Thorson, 80, of 2341 Moholt Dr., died Monday, August 25, 1997 at his home with his family by his side. He was born May 12, 1917 to Thomas and Hilda (Westby) Thorson in Cornell, Wisconsin. Following graduation from Cornell High School in 1935, he attended the Lawrence College Music Conservatory in Appleton. Arnold married Bernice A. Tichey on November 3, 1941 in Cornell.\r\nHe served in the U.S. Army Infantry during World War II where he participated in the Normandy, Northern France, and Rhineland campaigns. He was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge for which he received the Purple Heart.\r\nFollowing the war, Arnold and Bernice lived in Chippewa Falls until moving to Rock Falls in 1954, and moved to Eau Claire in 1968. He was employed 34 years at Uniroyal until his retirement in 1979.\r\nArnold was an accomplished violinist and played 25 years with the Chippewa Valley Symphony and University Symphony. He also played at church services and for nursing home residents. \r\n Survivors include his wife, Bernice of 55 years; two sons, Rodney (Mary) Thorson of Eau Claire, and Richard (Merri Beth) Thorson of Richmond, VA; three daughters, Cheryl (Harold Strasser) Green of Chippewa Falls, Teri Stolp of Eau Claire, and Judith (Rolland) Melsness of Malta, IL; 17 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; a brother, Raynard Thorson of Mpls, MN; a sister, Gladys Hughes of Mandan, ND; many nieces and nephews.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Stanley and Orrin.\r\nArnold was committed to his Family and had strong faith in his Lord.\r\nFuneral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd with Pastor John E. Hosmann officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Chippewa Falls where VFW Post #305 will conduct military graveside rites. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Lenmark-Gomsrud Funeral Home and an hour before services at the church. VFW Post #305 will have a veteran's service at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.\r\nMemorials may be directed to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Church Elevator or Building Funds.\r\n

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