Gordon O. Thrane, 84, died Friday, February 3, 2006 at Northwest Medical Center in Thief River Falls, MN.


Gordon Oliver Thrane was born March 4, 1921 at Greenbush, MN, the son of Hjlmer and Esther (Anderson) Thrane. He was baptized April 24, 1921 and confirmed September 1, 1935 at Greenbush. He attended country school in Lind Township and worked at Keene Farms before entering the United States Army on September, 19, 1942. He served his country as a Military Policeman. His military stints included Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He earned the European-African Middle Eastern Theater Service Medal, American Theater Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and 3 Overseas Service Bars. On October 28, 1945, Gordon was honorably discharged. Following his tour of duty, Gordon worked for Laverne Dagen, his future brother-in-law, at Dagen farms.

On December 14, 1947, Gordon married June Jane Fredrickson at Pinewood, MN. The couple farmed for 5 years in the Greenbush-Strandquist area. They then moved to Thief River Falls where they have since resided. He was a carpenter for a few years and then worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company, Thief River Falls, MN, for 24 years, retiring April 19, 1985. He also worked at Gambles for 22 years.

Gordon was a member of the Thief River Falls American Legion, VFW and Eagles. He held membership in the Telephone Company Pioneers and was a lifelong member of the Communications Workers of America. He liked playing cards, spending time with the Summerfield gang, but most especially loved being with his girls , his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Gordon is survived by wife, June, Thief River Falls, MN; daughters, Judy (Steven) Lappegaard, Thief River Falls, MN and Tammy (Wade) Johnson, Thief River Falls, MN; 6 grandchildren, Jeff (Wendy) Thrane, Front Royal, VA, Gina (Jeremy) Anderson, Thief River Falls, MN, Jackie (Eric) Pagel, Minnetonka, MN, Jill Lappegaard, Thief River Falls, MN, Corey and Codey Johnson, Thief River Falls, MN; great grandchildren, Austin Thrane and Ariel Berry; brother, Charles (Phyliss) Thrane, Coon Rapids, MN; sister, Frances Dagen, Karlstad, MN and a daughter-in-law, Mary (special friend, Ken Santl) Ekeren, Roseau, MN.

Preceded in death by son, Michael on September 30, 1970; parents; nephew, Mark Thrane and brother-in-law, Laverne Dagen.