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.
Bruce was truly a great man with a quiet strength that lifted everyone around him. Thinking of all of you during this difficult time.
Bruce was such a wonderful calm person. He will be missed. Safe travels Bruce on your newest journey.Peace to you and your family.
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Bruce shaped me as a minister of God’s grace, peace, and mercy. He taught me through example how to truly listen to others. May God’s love and mercy surround all of you as you grieve his passing. Kurt and I look forward to embracing him once again in glory.
Whenever I was around Bruce, I felt I was around someone truly special. He was an amazing man.
So very sorry for your loss, Merileen. What a wonderful family you and your husband have created. I know your family will gather around and help you get through this difficult time. Losing a husband that you loved so dearly is like losing a part of yourself. Condolences to your entire family
To you Marileen and your family,
We are so saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. May
your very special memories comfort you. Bruce will be missed very much in our neighborhood.
Sincere condolences.
I am so sad to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was one of my favorite cousins. I still remember as teenagers being at Grandma Marcia’s home in Red Lake Falls and exploring the barns and sheds on the farm. One exploration we should have passed on – we opened a trunk in the attic of one shed and were subsequently attacked by a hive of wasps! We ran to the house and Grandma Marcia painted all the stings (and there were many! Luckily, we were neither one allergic!) with blue ink that stayed on our skin for days. Can’t remember if the ink helped or not. I will miss him, even though I was negligent in staying close. God bless your family and bring you comfort going forward. My family and I will keep you in our prayers.
Mr. Thorson was always a kind and thoughtful man. We are grateful for the amazing job he did raising Julie, who not only is a friend, but cared for our children like her own. We are praying for the Thorsons and their extended family. God bless and rest in peace.
My sympathy and prayers as you live with the loss of Bruce. He was a tremendous chaplain and dear friend. This is a very apt obituary!