Obituary of Earl L. Thorp

Earl L Thorp, 99, passed away peacefully at the Franciscan Health Center on Friday, December 15, 2017. He was born to Henry J. Thorp and Alice (Moen) Thorp on April 21, 1918. During his nearly 100 years, Earl lived a very active life. A 1936 graduate of Denfeld High School he participated in football, basketball, and track. In 1940, he graduated from St. Olaf College with a teaching degree and participated in hockey and football (captain). Earl entered the U.S. Army in 1942 and fought as a 1st Lieutenant in an artillery unit. During the Battle of the Bulge he was awarded a bronze star and promoted to Captain while in the field. He spent several post war years in the Army Reserves retiring as a Major. Following the war, Earl joined the family grocery business, J.J. Thorp and Company. He eventually became the store manager of Denfeld Super Valu and part owner of the company that also owned and ran Mount Royal Super Valu. He retired 1983 as president of the company. Earl was life-long member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church serving as president of the congregation, a member of the Board of Trustees, and Board of Directors for the church's Foundation. He was a member of Euclid Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite, American Legion, and AAD Temple Shrine. Earl enjoyed dancing, golfing, and playing cribbage. He dearly loved life and will be greatly missed by many. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Viola (Ludvigson) Thorp; his dear friend Marg Gardonio; and siblings Dotie Mattson, Hank, Bob, and Donald Thorp. Earl is survived by his children: Karen Thorp-Talbot (Steve), Arnelle Drouillard (Jay), Bobbie Moran (Jerry), and Bryan Thorp (Kristin). Earl leaves grandchildren Kristin Greenfield, Dana Olson, Ryan Moran, Meghan Talbot, Lauren Marquette, Justin Drouillard, Dylan, Elias, and Hallie Thorp and seven great-grandchildren. His brother Richard also survives him, as well, as many nieces and nephews. A celebration of his life will be held January 5, 2018 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 4831 Grand Avenue, Duluth. Visitation at 10:00 a.m. until service at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Shriner's Children's Hospital or Our Savior's Evangelical Lutheran Church Foundation.