Gerald Thornton Sr.

Gerald J Thornton Sr., 82, lifelong Hibbing resident died peacefully on Monday, May 12, 2014, at Essentia St. Mary’s in Duluth. He was born on December 27, 1931, in Hibbing to Joseph and Grace (Tawyea) Thornton. Gerald grew up in Hibbing, graduated from Hibbing High School and University of Minnesota Duluth with a BS degree. Gerald was an Air Force veteran of the Korean Conflict enlisting when he was 17 years old. He was self-employed having his own insurance agency. He was a member of the VFW and the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.
Gerald will be sadly missed by his wife Bernadine of nearly 60 years, sons, Gerald J. Jr. (Petra), Coleraine, MN, Gregory L. (Julie) LaCenter, WA, daughters, Carrie T. (Mark) Harris of Denver, CO, and Mary E. (Mike) Enich of Hibbing. His seven grandchildren: Christy Hartline, Jeremy Thornton, Jason Thornton, Lindsay Enich, Emily Enich, Brooke Anna Harris, and Max Harris. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Brothers, Joseph (Phyllis) Thornton, Hibbing, MN and Dennis (Sandy) Thornton, Inver Grove Heights, sister, Joanne Gustafson, Wyoming, MN.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Grace, siblings Sue Hill, Roland Thornton and Robert Thornton.
Funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 17, 2014 in the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with visitation in church starting at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Maple Hill Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Mid-Range Honor Guard. Arrangements are with the Dougherty Funeral Home.

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