Donald Henry Thorstenson

Donald Henry Thorstenson, 76, of Medical Lake, WA passed away on January 30, 2021. A funeral service was held on February 5 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Medical Lake with military honors at the Veteran’s Cemetery. Cheney Funeral Chapel of Medical Lake was in charge of arrangements.

Born on November 23, 1944 in Mobridge, Don was the second child of Henry Theodore and Anne Marie (Stepenenko) Thorstenson. Don spent his childhood on the family farm at Timber Lake where he attended a nearby one-room school. When he was in the 6th grade, Don left the country school, rode his horse into town, and attended Timber Lake School, where he graduated in 1963. Don played football, rebuilt old cars with his friends, and drove around in his Model A two-door.

On February 28, 1967, Don joined the Air Force and began his 20 year career. He spent one year in Vietnam and upon returning was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base. At a mixer in Airway Heights he met the love of his life, Rose Ann Newell. The couple married while driving across the country on August 4, 1975.

Don and Rose traveled the country and the world, moving from Maryland to Guam and places in between. When it was time to retire from the military in 1987, they moved to Washington State, where Don became a rock driller and member of the Laborers Union #238. After another 20+ year career he retired in 2009.

Don volunteered with the SCOPE program in the Spokane Valley. He was proud to be involved with the Sheriff’s office. He met many friends while volunteering and genuinely cared for each person he worked alongside. When Don and Rose moved to Medical Lake, he made sure that he would be able to volunteer at the new station. He received the lifetime achievement award from the Sheriff.

Don and Rose took their grandchildren on many camping trips. They drove their motor home to Oregon, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming, and took their kids and grandkids along with them.

Don was a hardworking, intelligent, kind, and wonderful man. He spoke to people everywhere he went and made friends easily. Don loved to give advice and share his knowledge of many different subjects. He always knew the weather and made sure to ask if your oil was changed.

Don is survived by this wife Rose Ann Thorstenson; daughters Heather (Patrick) Striker of Medical Lake and Holly (Collin) Imus of Great Falls, MT; grandchildren Henry Imus, Jackson Striker, and Claire Imus; sisters Diane (Denver) Canfield, Linda Thorstenson and Sandye (Lynn) Kading; and many nieces, nephews, and other family members.