WAYNE THOREN

Fort Dodge — Wayne Thoren, of Fort Dodge, died March 29, 2007, at Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge .after a courageous battle with cancer. Services were 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 2, 2007, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, with interment in North Lawn Cemetery.

Wayne L. Thoren, the son of Heiko and Dena (Miller) Thoren, was born in Wellsburg. He attended school in Mason City and then graduated from Rolfe High School. Wayne worked as a farmhand for a short time and then moved to Fort. Dodge. From 1953 to 1991, Wayne was employed with Crouse Cartage Company Transportation. Wayne worked part-time at Fort Dodge Transmission. Wayne also worked as a bus driver for the Fort Dodge School District and St. Edmonds Catholic Schools, retiring this past January. On September 21, 1985, Wayne was united in marriage to Juanita Benton in Yankton, S.D.

It was Wayne's profound joy and privilege to help transport the St. Edmond School kids to their various events. His reward was watching them participate at the events and contests. Wayne also loved spending time with his friends and family at his summer home on the lake in Fairmont, Minn.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Juanita; his children, Sarah Benton and her special friend Tom Ellis of Rockwell City, and Bill Benton of Fort Dodge; and his siblings, Sophie Thoren, Alvin Thoren and Lloyd (Harriett) Thoren, all of Rolfe.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Edna; and his brothers, Fred and Leslie.