Paul Joseph Thiner of Heron Lake died Wednesday, September 9, 2009, at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 91. Paul was born June 4, 1918, at Barnum, IA. He was the eighth child, and fifth son born to Herbert & Mayme (Thornbrough) Thiner. When Paul turned two, his family moved from IA and began farming in Alba Township. There Paul attended Brewster school district #101, helped on the family farm, and attended square dances. Paul joined the U.S. Army on April 18, 1942. On Easter Sunday, April 10, 1944, Paul rode by train to New York Harbor, where he boarded the Queen Mary headed for England. He joined the fighting at Utah Beach on June 19, 1944, as a member of General Patton?s Sixth Armored Division. After fighting the major battlefronts throughout France, Paul returned home a decorated war veteran, receiving both the Silver Star & Purple Heart. Paul married his wartime sweetheart Mary Louise (Persing) on April 23, 1946, in Worthington, MN. The couple farmed a section of property in Alba Township until 1969, when they moved to Heron Lake where they raised nine children. During these years, Paul worked Security and Maintenance for Armours of Worthington and later at the Northland Mall where he retired in 1986 after 8 years of service. Paul was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Churches of Heron Lake and Brewster. He was an active member of the American Legion Post 494 of Brewster, with over 64 years of service. He was a gifted mechanic who enjoyed playing cards, hunting, fishing, bird watching, and dancing with his loved ones. He is survived by five sons, Bernard (LeAnn) Thiner, Worthington; Merle (Patricia) Thiner, Derby, KS; Leo Thiner, Minneapolis MN; Delbert (Brenda) Thiner, George, IA and Frederick (Elizabeth) Thiner, Sioux Falls, SD; 4 daughters, Mary Louise (Steven) Hanson, Lakefield, MN; Faye Anne (Nick) Stahlke, Madison WI; Jolleen (Corey) Christians, Valdosta GA and Madonna (Thomas) Kellen, Lakefield, MN; 17 grandchildren; Bernard & LeAnn children: Adam (Holly) Thiner, Mark Thiner, Matthew (Michelle) Thiner; Mary Lou & Steve children: Nathan (Kristin) Hanson, Eric (Bridget) Hanson, Faye Anne & Nick children: Isaac, Ryan, and Chelsea Stahlke; Del & Brenda children: Jason and Todd Thiner; Fritz and Liz children: Rachel and Natasha Thiner; Jo & Corey children: Jeremy (Heather) Christians; Jenna (Tyler) Dahl, and Chandler Christians; Madonna & Tom children: Megan and Justin Kellen, 8 great-grandchildren; Payton & Erica Hanson, Brianna and Mylee Hanson, Eli Thiner, Jude and Xander Thiner, Jeremy John Christians; Sister: Teresa Molitor of Brewster MN, along with many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Louise (Persing) Thiner; Parents; Herbert & Mayme (Thornbrough) Thiner of Alba Township; 5 brothers, Frank, George, Lawrence, Phillip and Raymond; 6 sisters, Marie, Grace, Helen, Rose, Anna, & Katherine. Paul will be forever loved and dearly missed.

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