Donald Stener Thorson (Don), of Milwaukee, was called home on January 11, 2026, 10 days shy of his 100th birthday. Dad will be forever 99. 

Don was born on January 21, 1926, in Superior, WI. Don was fifteen when Japan bombed Pearl Harbor and shortly after he enrolled in the V12 Navy officer training program, eighteen months later he was inducted into the Navy. After high school graduation, he reported for duty to the V12 unit at the University of Minnesota. Following Japan's surrender in August 1945 the war was over, and Don’s class had dodged a bullet. Don received his Navy diploma, commissioned as an Ensign in the USNR, in October 1945 and shipped out to Pearl Harbor.  Dad served on the YMS-467, a wooden-hulled ship used for minesweeping near Yokosuka, Japan. In August of 1946, he transferred to the Navy's Ready Reserve and returned to the University of Minnesota to resume his studies under the GI Bill majoring in electrical engineering. He graduated in June 1948 and a month later started his 50-year career at Cutler-Hammer/Eaton Corp. in Milwaukee.

Don met his future wife Joyce at a sorority party through his friend Warren "Bud" Crandall. Bud's sister Joyce was thrilled when she realized Don was an eligible bachelor and they began spending more time together at parties and dances. Joyce and Don married in June 1949 and were married for almost 60 years.

Joyce and Don raised their four children in Brookfield, WI. Family, faith, and music meant everything to Don. He was a dedicated son, brother, husband, father, and grand/great-grand father. He enthusiastically participated in the church vestry and choir at St. Edmund's Episcopal Church and later St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church of Pewaukee. Don served his community in many ways; Board of Education, AFS, and Scouting.

A lifelong relationship with St. John's Home of Milwaukee (now known at Saint John’s On The Lake) began in the early 1970s when Joyce became Director of Volunteers and Social Activities at St. John’s Home on Cass Street. Don and the kids were very busy as Joyce's go-to volunteers.

In the early 2000s, Joyce and Don moved to Saint John’s On The Lake. Don sang in the St. John’s Singers for many years and remained active at St. Bart's. He enjoyed breakfast every day with his friends at the community table in the bistro ordering the same breakfast which the St. John’s staff fondly called “the Don”. Don was very involved at St. John’s and loved to play bridge with fellow residents.  

On May 18, 2024, son Brian accompanied Don on his Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Don was the only WWII veteran on the flight.

Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife Joyce, sister Norma, and his parents Stener and Mabel. Don is survived by daughter Ann, sons David (Randi), Brian (Jamie), and Daniel (Mandy). Don was Papa T to grandchildren Stephen (Kristen), James (Krystal), Julia, Drew, Brad (Matt), Kaley, Jacob (Bethany), and Joshua, as well as great-grandchildren Kendall, Lia, Tristan, and Trevor, and many nieces and nephews.

Don lived an exemplary life and will be missed beyond measure. The Thorson family wishes to thank the staff of Saint John's On The Lake and Legacy Hospice for everything they did for Don and the family as Don made the transition to the next step on his journey.

Visitation on Saturday, February 7, at ST. BARTHOLOMEW EPISCOPAL CHURCH, N27 W24000 Paul Court, Pewaukee at 2:00 until time of Funeral Service at 3:00 with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John's On The Lake https://saintjohnsmilw.org/, St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church https://stbartspewaukee.com/, or charity of your choice.

SCHMIDT & BARTELT Funeral and Cremation Services (414)774-5010 Wauwatosa.