Roger D Thorngren

Roger Dale Thorngren, 97, of Mt. Morris, died peacefully at his home on Tuesday, July 16. Roger was born on February 28, 1922 in Rochelle, the son of Robert and Myrtle Thorngren, and he grew up in Milledgeville. Roger was a graduate of Milledgeville High School and the University of Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from February 2, 1943 to October 5, 1945. Roger was an officer and he served on a bomber crew in the European theater. He married his childhood sweetheart, Carol Peugh, in Little Rock, Arkansas on June 19, 1943. Roger and Carol returned to Milledgeville after the war and moved to Mt. Morris around 1950. They remained Mt. Morris residents until their passing. Carol passed away in August, 2013. Roger's career was in journalism. He operated the local newspaper in Milledgeville early in his career. He was also editor of the newspaper in Mendota and later became editor of the Mt. Morris Index. He worked at Kable Printing Company as well. He ended his career as an editor for Watt Publishing Company. Survivors include three sons: Kris, of Old Hickory, TN, Mark, of Camarillo CA, and Philip, of Rockford IL; one daughter, Andria (Burchett), of Geneva, IL; eleven grandchildren: David, of Hollywood, CA, Erik, of Nashville TN, Rudy, of Camarillo CA, Andrew, of Newport News, VA, Valerie, of Camarillo CA, Alison, of Davis CA, Drew, of Wheaton IL, Hillary, of Chicago IL, Becci, of Chicago IL, Taylor, of Dublin OH, and Mackenzie of Noblesville IN; and eight great-grandchildren. Roger was active in serving the Village of Mt. Morris. He was a member of the School Board during the years when two grade schools were constructed. He was also a member of the Water and Sewer Commission when new infrastructure was installed. Roger served on the Building Fund Committee of the Disciples of Christ Church ("Christian Church") during the time that the current building (now the Disciples United Methodist Church) was planned and constructed. Further, he was a member of the Pinecrest Manor Board during the time that a new building was constructed at Pinecrest. Roger was a charitable donor, supporting many local charities. Roger enjoyed photography and reading Westerns. He was an avid (if not skilled) golfer. Roger did most of the work of building the family home where he resided until his passing. Those of us who know and love Roger will remember his special sense of humor, his strong moral character, and his devotion to his wife Carol. Memorial services will be held at noon on Friday, July 26, at the Disciples United Methodist Church in Mt. Morris. A visitation will be held from 11 am until noon at the church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pinecrest Manor or Disciples United Methodist Church. Arrangements are being handled by Finch Funeral Home, Mt. Morris.