Obituary of Roger David Throndsen

Roger David Throndsen, 88 of Bloomington Minnesota, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away at his home peacefully surrounded by his family, on April 21, 2024.  

Roger was born in Minneota, MN on August 11, 1935 and moved to Minneapolis as a small child with his family. He grew up running the streets of Minneapolis causing trouble wherever he went (thank God for his brother Harold who dragged him home by the ear many a time).  When he was not causing trouble Roger attended school and met the love of his life in junior high, but did not know it at the time. They met again while in high school and he thought she was cute. He found time from all his shenanigans to graduate from Central High School in 1953, where he was a great athlete and loved playing football and basketball.  He loved anything sports related! He took this love of sports into adulthood as he coached his children whenever possible (we can still hear him yelling to run faster) and he never missed a game.

After graduation, Roger enlisted in the Army and served his country until February 1956. During that time he was stationed in both Colorado and Alaska and then served in the Reserves for eight years following active duty.  He told us stories of how they used dynamite to prepare building sites for new army bases and as a result his hearing suffered.  He became famous for the word “What?” and wore it proudly on a baseball cap for many years. Eventually he left the service and became reacquainted with the love of his life and they were married on September 8, 1956 at St Paul Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, a marriage that would last 68 years.  Roger worked briefly as a railroad fireman, then owned a bar on Lake Street in Minneapolis and eventually settled into a career with the telephone company.  He worked as a lineman, a residential installer and eventually worked his way up to supervisor until his retirement in 1995.  He loved the outdoors, making sure the lawn was mowed perfectly, the birds were fed and the squirrels were scared off. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting with friends at his favorite place in the world, Peacock's Lodge. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Richard and Hannah Throndsen, siblings Harold, Arlene, Celestia and (infant) Carmen, sister in-law Lorraine Throndsen, brothers in-law Edward Driehorst, Glenn Miller, Ronnie Cole, Murray McGilp, Douglas McGilp, nephews Daniel McGilp and Scott Driehorst. 

He is survived by his wife Beverly, son Mark (Angie) Throndsen of Bloomington MN, daughters Leslie (Shawn) Kelly of International Falls and Michelle (Dion) Reis of Lonsdale.  He is survived by grandchildren Bronson, Derrick and Hunter Throndsen, Kyle and Jessica Hell, Courtney and Cody Kelly, Tyler (Cassie) and Hannah Reis.  Great grandchildren Michael and Lucas Reis and Emberly Hell. Sister in-laws Elaine Cole, Donna McGilp, Judy McGilp and Colleen McGilp, brother in-laws, Gordy McGilp and Donald McGilp along with many nieces and nephews.

Brief military rites will be performed at Fort Snelling on May 17, 2024 from 9:00 - 9:15 am at Assembly Area 3 (there is road construction just outside of the cemetary).  The family will be holding a Celebration of Life at the Eagles Club in Bloomington, MN on Sunday, May 19, 2024 from 1:00 - 4:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to a fellowship to share in food and good memories of Roger.  There will be a short Prayer Ceremony during the Celebration. 

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the hospice care takers who provided loving care to our father while he remained at home. 

In lieu of flowers - memorials can be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project.