Obituary of Erma Thorn

Erma Engel Thorn was born September 19, 1912 to Ludwig "Louis" and Maggie (Buttschau) Engel in Lake Park, Iowa. She graduated from Lake Park High School and went on to Nettleton Business School in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. On October 15, 1931, Erma was united in marriage to Joe Thorn in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The couple made their home in Lake Park, where they raised their family. Erma worked as a bookkeeper for Engel & Thorn Garage, and later, was employed by Emerson Insurance for over thirty-five years. Additionally, she worked as a clerk for Byers Sale Barn and Frank's Jewelery. Erma served as the Silver Lake Township Clerk for twenty-two years and was also a Selective Service Clerk. Erma served as Election Board Mobile Registrar. Erma spent the majority of her life in Lake Park. The past eight years found her living at Wel-Life and Hilltop Care Center in Spirit Lake. Erma was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Lake Park. She was also a member of the Royal Neighbors of America and she received an Honorary Citizen Award in Lake Park in 1981. Her other interests included the neighborhood children, Dinner Date, Card Club and bus trips. Erma passed away on September 30, 2013 at Hilltop Care Center in Spirit Lake at the age of 101. Erma is survived by her daughter, Sunny (Harold) Fronk, of Spirit Lake; granddaughter, Beth (Trent) Will, of Spirit Lake; great-granddaughter, Amanda (Dylan) Titterington of Milford; great-grandson, Alex Will, of Spirit Lake; niece, Jan (Howard) Camp of Madison, AL and many cousins and friends. Preceding Erma in death were her parents, Ludwig & Maggie Engel; husband, Joe; son Louis Joe; granddaughter, Sara Joann; and brother Ludie Engel.