Bruce E. Thorson

Obituary's Biography:

Bruce E. Thorson (75) of Round Lake Park, Illinois, passed away at home on March 22, 2025. Bruce was born June 3, 1949 in Omaha, Nebraska to Kenneth and Lois (Swanson) Thorson. He graduated from Westside High School, University of Nebraska-Omaha, and North Park Theological Seminary. He was ordained by the Evangelical Covenant Church. Throughout his life in ministry, Bruce served Campus Crusade, Dawson Covenant Church (Minnesota), Aurora Evangelical Covenant Church (Nebraska), Covenant Home (Chicago), Covenant Village (Northbrook, IL), and Libertyville Covenant Church (Libertyville, IL).

 Bruce married Merileen Wakeley on October 16, 1971. Bruce and Merileen shared 5 children, 13 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. Bruce loved his children and grandchildren immensely. He taught the grandkids to fish, play games, be patient, showed them the value of a good nap, told the best bedtime stories and loved snuggling on the couch. He was always supportive of his children and grandchildren and attended their games, concerts, and plays to encourage them. Especially in retirement, Bruce and Merileen enjoyed road trips together and had visited all 50 states.

Bruce was dedicated to a life of service and listening. In his own words, “My ministry over the years could be summed as trying to help people find healing and wholeness for their spirit, for their relationship with God.” One congregant in Minnesota shared that “Others have come with their agenda and gifts; you came and just loved us.” Chaplaincy was a special calling, with the privilege of listening to so many stories. Because of his own personal health challenges, he was able to relate to the residents at Covenant Village. His psychology background helped him understand the variety of people he ministered to. As a spiritual director, he was a careful listener. Bruce had a love for music that was evident throughout his ministry, playing guitar, trumpet, and singing in quartets and choirs.   

He is survived by his wife Merileen and children Scott, Sarah (Ben Palmberg), Julie (Keith Peterson), Erin (Ramon Rodriguez) and grandchildren Abigail (Will Addy),and Sophia Thorson, Lars, Kajsa and Maren Palmberg, Tessa, Calla, Andrew and Annika Peterson, Lucia, Clara, David and Noa Rodriguez, great-grandson Ellis Addy, and his brothers Paul and Steve. Numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws survive. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant daughter Christine.

 2 Timothy 4:7-8          Well done, good and faithful servant. 

Visitation will be Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 9:30am with service to follow at 10:30, Libertyville Covenant Church, 250 S. St. Mary’s Road, Libertyville. Memorials can be made to Libertyville Covenant Church.