Wallace Hillerd Thune

Wallace (Wally) Hillerd Thune, age 92, passed away July 28, 2013, at Sanford Hospital surrounded by his loving family. Wally was born June 14, 1921, in Binford, ND, to Knute and Annie (Hegland) Thune. Wally attended Binford schools.

When Wally was 14 years old he was accidentally shot by a cousin and he spent six weeks in the hospital. He was left with a bullet lodged next to his heart, where it remained for the rest of his life. When WWII broke out, Wally had a deep desire to enlist in the US Navy, but he was turned down twice because of the lodged bullet sitting next to his heart. Wally so wanted to serve his country that he enlisted a third time and he suspected the recruiter either didn't see the bullet on the x-ray, or they decided to push him through knowing he wasn't about to give up. To enlist in the service for his country was a badge of honor for Wally.

Wally was a skilled mechanic working on planes aboard aircraft carriers. In 1943 Wally was assigned to the South Pacific, Marshall Islands, as an aerial gunner. Wally was honorably discharged in 1946.

Wally was united in marriage to Florence Oien in 1945 and they were blessed with seven children. Wally had a 32 year career with the Fargo Police Department. Wally was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. Wally enjoyed spending quality time with his family and he enjoyed sharing his life experiences with his children and grandchildren; memories that they will cherish for a lifetime.

Wally is survived by his wife, Florence; daughters, Odell Guss and Diane (Brad) Selseth; sons, Wally (Patty), Jeff (Joan) and Dave; thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Wally was preceded in death by his parents, Knute and Annie; brother, Richard; and sister-in-law, Ruth; sons, Roger and Dennis; and twin grandsons, Christopher and Nicholas Thune.

Wallace's video tribute can be viewed at http://www.philpetersonproductions.com/hr-memorials.htm