Richard J. “Dick” Thronson, age 80, of Fort Peck, Montana passed away on July 20, 2023 surrounded by his six children. Dick was born on March 5, 1943, in Powers Lake, North Dakota to Orville and Gwen (Ocain) Thronson. He spent his childhood and attended school in Ross, North Dakota. Upon graduating, he joined the United States Marine Corps and proudly served his country for three years. After returning home, he met Carol Jean Skaar and they were united in marriage on July 3, 1965. They lived for several years in North Dakota where Dick started his career in the telecommunications business. In 1974, they moved to northeast Montana which ultimately became their home. Together, they were blessed with six children: Richard, Janice, Steven, Tom, Ted, and Monica.
Dick spent his entire career in telecommunications. He was heavily involved at the state and national level and served on many boards. He was a big part of bringing internet and video conferencing to rural Montana, which he did for his love of rural communities. It is impossible to capture all that he influenced and had a hand in over the course of his life.
After retirement, he settled in Fort Peck where he was close to his favorite place in the world, the family cabin at The Pines. One of his greatest achievements was building the new cabin with his kids. He enjoyed hunting and spending time with his kids and grandkids.
He will be forever missed by his children, Richard Thronson, Steve (Chandra) Thronson, Ted (Jessica) Thronson, all of Billings, Janice (Sid) Helmick of Glasgow, Tom (Jenny) Thronson of southern California, and Monica (Chad) Heimbuch of Oakes, ND, sixteen grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, brother Lawrence (Bonnie) Thronson, and sisters Dorothy (Tom) Haro, Joyce (Orville) Baumgartner, and Joan Stenehjem, and many nieces and nephews.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Orville and Gwen Thronson, wife Carol Jean, daughter-in-law Carol Lynn Thronson, and many brother and sisters-in-law.
Funeral services will be on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at the Glasgow Evangelical Church in Glasgow, Montana with Pastor Frank Burns officiating. Following the service, burial with military honors will be at Highland Cemetery in Glasgow. A reception will follow at the Fort Peck Hotel. Visitation will be on Friday, July 28, 2023 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Northeast Montana Veterans Memorial Park, c/o Maxwell Knodel, PO Box 202, Glasgow, MT 59230.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday July 28, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday July 29, 2023
Glasgow Evangelical Church
152 Aberdeen Street
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Saturday July 29, 2023
Highland Cemetery
Highland Drive
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Friday July 28, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
2:00 p.m.
Saturday July 29, 2023
Glasgow Evangelical Church
152 Aberdeen Street
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Burial with Military Honors
3:00 p.m.
Saturday July 29, 2023
Highland Cemetery
Highland Drive
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Frank and Mary Burns says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dick’s wonderful family. We are family by marriage to one of Dick’s grandsons, Brock Fauth. We had the pleasure to enjoy Dick’s company at many family gatherings. We always found “Grandpa Dick” to be a friendly, kind hearted, soft spoken man. We will miss seeing him at family events. We know he deeply loved his family and will greatly missed by them. We pray God will comfort and keep them during this time of his passing. Frank and Mary Burns
Rieger Family says
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. I have a very fond memory spending a weekend with Dick and Ted ice fishing at the Pines, eating fair dogs, and enjoying each other’s company. Sending love, thoughts, and prayers to you and your family. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.
Jean Marmon says
My thoughts and prayers with all of you during this difficult time. May you find strength, comfort and peace in the love of family and friends. May God surround you with peace and love.
Gary and Donna Dascher says
We are so sorry and sad that your Dad, our friend, passed so suddenly. It’s never a good time, but it IS good that he has been reunited with your mom. Death is bitter/sweet. I hope it brings you some comfort knowing they’re together again. We love you guys!!!!!!! Lots of prayers coming your way
God Bless, Gary & Donna
Adam Amanda Powell says
Richard, Janice, Steve, Tom, Ted, Monica
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this difficult time. Lot of good memories when I was a kid hanging out a your place. Your dad will be greatly missed.
Adam and Amanda Powell
Lou Marmon says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate the life of a very neat man.
Lou Marmon and family
Larry E Tade says
I was deeply saddened to learn of your dads passing. We had many memorable years together in the Co-op world. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Larry Tade
Shelley Idaho
Bob Adams says
It was with great sadness I learned of Dick’s passing. I only worked with him for four years, but it was long enough to respect and admire his gentle ways, kindness, and intelligence. He was a mentor, boss, and friend. When my family moved to Scobey from Kentucky it was somewhat a culture shock, but he made the transition very easy due to his concern for all of us. He will be missed terribly, and I pray that his family will remember what a great person he was and will take comfort knowing he is reunited with your mother and is in heaven with God.
Sue Kinzell says
To the family of Dick Thronson: Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sadness!
With Sympathy!
Rick&Sue Kinzell