Howard Thon

Howard M. Thon passed away peacefully at Essentia Hospital on Wednesday, February 16, 2011. Born April 5, 1920 in Kermit, ND to Julius and Angelina (Hemphill) Thon, Howard was the youngest of five siblings. He graduated from Crosby High School in 1938 and began a two-plus year tour in the Civilian Conservation Corps as a surveyor in Medicine Lake, Montana. At the outbreak of hostilities in December 1941, Howard was released from the CCC and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on January 19, 1942. Howard served in the Pacific Theater as a radioman participating in four historic landings: Tulagi, Guadacanal, Tarawa and Saipan. Wounded on Saipan, Howard received the Purple Heart Medal. After his discharge from the Marine Corps, he attended the University of Minnesota and Dakota Business College. Re-entering civilian life in late 1945, Howard began a 37 year career with GMAC in the Fargo, ND office. As manager of the Accounting Department, he was known for his conscientiousness and attention to detail. On March 13, 1959, Howard married Audry M. Stedje in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He was a member of East Gate Masonic Lodge #120, York Rite and El Zagal Shrine and the Arab Patrol. He was life member of the Fargo VFW, life member of the 2nd Marine Division Association. He was also a member of the Fargo American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. Howard was an avid traveler and toured all over the world with his wife Audry. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Audry. He was preceded in death by his parents; and four siblings. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the charity of your choice. By Howard’s request, his body has been donated to the UND School of Medicine. Masonic Service: Wednesday, February 23, 2011, at 7:00 PM, at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND.