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THORREZ, ALBERT FRANK God called Albert to his eternal Home on November 13, 2015. Our most precious father responded with a smile and a song, as he always did when our Lord asked something of him here on earth. Albert was born on January 31, 1921 in Jackson, MI, the oldest son of Camiel C. and Flavia (Mestdaugh) Thorrez. As the offspring of proud, Belgian immigrants, Albert learned the value of hard work and integrity at an early age. His education included 12 years in St. John Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools as well as Jackson Technical School. Al graduated in 1939 with the distinction of Treasurer of his class. He went on to attend TriState University in Indiana. Many friends and sweet times later, Al married his beloved, Elizabeth A. Koscielniak. Al and Elizabeth shared 64 years together and were blessed with nine children. Albert served his country in WWII as a Machinist Mate in the Navy, sweeping the ocean floor for dangerous mines. Mr. Thorrez was a prodigious industrialist in the Jackson community for eighty years, learning the manufacturing trade from his father, Camiel, for which the company, C. Thorrez Industries, was named. Albert was instrumental in the success of this company as well as the following: Legends Manufacturing, Concord Manufacturing, Stockbridge Manufacturing, Allied Chucker and Engineering, Synchronous Manufacturing, Thorrez and Maes Manufacturing, National Machine and Tool, Quick Industries, Michner Plating, Blue Chip Manufacturing, Jackson Carbide and Tool & Holliday Farms. As a most dear and loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, Albert's life motto was "Love Jesus and Follow Him", which he illustrated in many different ways. Firstly, through his Catholic faith and love and care of his family. He was also an extremely generous man, given freely of his God-given time and treasure while on earth. Many, many people in the area recognized Albert's accomplishments. Noteworthy among them, he was the Honoree of the following: Knights of Columbus Outstanding Alumni Award, 2010; St. Joseph Parish Divine Servant Award. Proud member or contributor to YMCA, Boy Scout Troop 424, Camp Teetonkah, Ducks Unlimited, Lumen Christi Catholic Schools, Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church, Our Lady of Fatima Church, St. John Church, St. Mary Church, St. Joseph Church, St. Mary Church - Chelsea, Reverend Austin, Jackson Right to Life, St. Louis Center -Chelsea, Ken Dillon Activity Center, Rotary International, Moose Lodge # 156, Junior Achievement, Life Member of the Republican Party, Polish National Alliance, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Arbor Hills Country Club, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Interfaith Shelter, Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Catholic Charities of Jackson, Hillsdale and Lenawee Counties, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Joes Home for Boys, Starr Commonwealth, Diocese of Lansing, Hope Clinic International, St. Luke's Clinic and Orchard Lake St. Mary's. In addition to these charities, he helped to establish Jackson Family Fall Festival, Good Shepherd Catholic Radio, Father Coyle Society and Legatus. Mr. Thorrez was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth; baby daughter, Kathleen; brothers, Morris and Henry; and sister, Marie Michner. He is survived by six sons, Timothy Thorrez of Jackson, David (Bettye) Thorrez of Ann Arbor, Bernard (Mary) Thorrez of Casper, WY, Michael (Elizabeth) Thorrez of Clarklake, Joseph (Kathleen) Thorrez of Clarklake, Albert A. Thorrez (Beth) of Cement City; and two daughters, Marybeth (Howard) Kaak of Jackson, MI and Christine (Patrick) Beach of Santa Barbara, CA. His 24 grandchildren were such a special joy to him: Terese (Thom) Keehan, Carin (Chris) Parsons, Mary (Brian) Gaede, Cathleen (Brian) Stenger, Beth Ann Thorrez, Laura (George) Vidalakis, Amanda (Mark) Tomlinson, Monica (Stephen) Marty, Jody (Marty) Scott, Jennifer (Daniel) Beausoleil, Jessica Logan, Angela (Adam) Cooper, Kevin and Andrew Thorrez, Erin (Carter) Hedrick, Michael, Connor, Brien (Brianne), Joe and Mary Claire Beach, Genevieve and Isabelle Thorrez, Kegan and Clayton Thorrez. He was blessed further in life with the birth of 35 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter who live all over the world and will live out his legacy of caring for others and providing work. Moreover, he significantly touched the lives of many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and employees. Special thanks to the loving hands of outstanding caregivers, Angela Cooper, Jenny Carlson, Debbie Gustafson, Kelly Konopacki and Lesley Burrow. Mr. Thorrez is at the Desnoyer Funeral Home where the family will receive friends on Monday, November 16 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 17 at 10:30 AM. Father Timothy MacDonald will be the celebrant at the Mass. The family will also receive friends at the church, prior to the Mass, from 9:45 to 10:30 AM. Interment will take place at St. John's Catholic Cemetery following the Mass. The family suggests that, instead of sending flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Lumen Christi-Albert and Elizabeth Thorrez Scholarship Fund, Good Shepherd Catholic Radio, Hope Clinic International or any of Mr. Thorrez's charities listed above would be appreciated, as part of caring out his legacy of helping others.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dear Thorrez family,
I want to extend my sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your beloved father. I remember your parents with fond memories as they were friends of my parents. They never missed a chance to inquire about my family when I was back home visiting, and I would see them at Queen's Church. You were all fortunate to have such giving and loving parents.
Thinking of you,
Mary (Wurdock) Schaefer
Mary Schaefer
November 17, 2015
Thorezz Family...On behalf of St. Joseph Parish, Jackson and as former bookkeeper at St. Joseph I know of his tremendous generosity to our parish. Thank you and God bless the entire Thorezz family. You are in our prayers.
Alberta Ziepiela
November 17, 2015
My cencere condolences go out to the entere family.Sometimes is so much what we feel but so little we can say.May you rest in peace.Family
Thorrez Belgium.
Johan Thorrez
November 17, 2015
Angie just told me about Alberts passing. My sincere condolences to your family Mary Beth. May God wrap his comforting arms around all of you and give you peace.
Cathy Miller
November 16, 2015
To the Entire Thorrez Family, your in my Thoughts and Prayers. May he Rest in Eternal Peace. A Very Loving Giving Family, Prayers.
Valerie Loring
November 16, 2015
Our sincere condolences go out to the entire Thorrez family . Mr. Thorrez was a great man who will be missed by many. Our thoughts & prayers are with you, may you rest in peace.
Mark & Mary Kennedy
November 16, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you all!
Terri Walters
November 16, 2015
My sincere sympathy to the family of Al Thorrez. He was a "One of a Kind" person. I saw many times over the last forty years his generosity and kindness toward others. He always had a smile for everyone. You will truly be missed by all of us. Prayers to all of your family in this time of sorrow.
Dianne Georgopoulos
November 16, 2015
My condolences to the Thorrez family.
Ashley Cassidy
November 16, 2015
Thoughts and prayers to the Thorrez family.
Amy Vanepps
November 16, 2015
Deepest sympathies to you and your family, Joe and Mick. You and your family are wonderful people. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Jason & Nicole Stackling
Nicole Stackling
November 16, 2015
My deepest sympathy to the Thorrez family. Al enriched many lives and provided jobs for many families along the way. What a blessing to have known him. God Bless...
Debbie Georgopoulos
November 16, 2015
Keeping his family in my thoughts and prayers. He is a tremendous loss to our community.
Lindy Georgopoulos - Gannon
November 16, 2015
Sincere condolences on your loss. Definitely a man that left his mark.
Joe Collins
November 16, 2015
Always a smile, always so kind. So sorry for your loss.
Patricia Mundy
November 16, 2015
God's Blessings as Mr. Thorrez begins yet his most fantastic journey ever. The entire Thorrez family is in my prayers and thoughts. What a beautiful soul he was.
Patty
PATTY AMES
November 16, 2015
My sincerest sympathy and prayers go out to all of Al's Children. It is one of my greatest pleasures to know this very special family that has been compassionate and kind to so many. Truly a model citizen that by example has left a permanent impression on my family. God is with all of you and it shows in how you all carry out your lives each day.
Greg Chmielewski
November 16, 2015
Sending my deepest sympathy to the entire Thorrez family on the loss of such a wonderful man. I am holding you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Kathy Ryan
November 16, 2015
Praying for God's strength to comfort you. Love, The Wurdock's
Kathy (Wurdock) Thomas
November 16, 2015
Al, Beth & Families, Sending deepest sympathy to all of you at this difficult time. May God give you peace and comfort today and in the days ahead. Sue & Les Drake
Sue Drake
November 16, 2015
Al and family, So sorry to hear about the loss of your wonderful father. He has blessed so many people in the wonderful world. Cherish the beautiful memories you have him. He is now in the arms of the angels. And now joining your beautiful mom now in heaven. May God wrap his arms around and your family during this time of loss. God bless all of you.
Theresa (Thomas) Zenz and family
November 16, 2015
Truly a loss to our community and your family.. With our deepest sympathy praying for peace for your family during this difficult time.
Tim and Melanie Curran
November 16, 2015
My sincerest sympathy to the family of Al Thorrez. It was a pleasure and honor to have known and worked for this generous and intelligent man. God bless the Al Thorrez family in this time of sorrow.
Tim Breece
November 16, 2015
May the Lord be with you all during this time and Bless you all...
Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
The Fitzgerald Family
Scott Fitzgerald
November 16, 2015
Dave, my deepest condolences at the loss of your father.
Colleen Fraser
November 16, 2015
TO THE LOVING THORREZ FAMILY
I've missed a lot of Mr.Thorrez's later life's experiences but did hear about him and the family through Phil, Mark,and Mom over the years. Also so much Belgian history from Gramme Maes.
My memories from earlier years are very special and will always be with me. Such fun we had and your Mom and Dad were always there for all of the O'Connell's living by them. Always laughter and jokes abounded. I remember looking at the Virgin Mary stained glass figure with the light shining through everyday. That light continues to shine through all of you kids and the special care you gave to both your parents.. May God continue to Bless all of you.
Margaret (O'Connell) Eisele
Omaha,Nebraska
November 15, 2015
So sorry for your loss!
Tonya Waldron
November 15, 2015
Joe sorry to hear about the passing of your Dad our prayers go out to you and yours
Tom & Jean Maes
November 15, 2015
Joe, our thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
Buzz Kasprzycki
November 15, 2015
Mr Thorrez was truly a mentor and family friend-especially with Queen's Troop 424. His help and kind acts will always be cherished. Bob Currier and family
November 15, 2015
Chrissy - I'm thinking of you, your wonderful dad and your family today. Love and prayers, Mary Kelly
November 15, 2015
Mary Beth, Dave, Bernie and all the Thorrez family I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad. We were all in a rare position to have our dads with us so long in life. He was a man of honor and respect in which we see fewer in our current lives.
Vinnie Dragonetti
November 15, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thorrez Family. Mr. Thorrez's support of Catholic Education will never be forgotten. May your family find peace and comfort knowing that your loved one has found rest in the arms of the Lord.
Mr. Brian Garred
November 15, 2015
Dear Marybeth (Howard),Tim and Entire Thorrez Families: We were so sorry to hear of the passing of your Dear, Sweet Dad! Please know our Thoughts and Prayers are with You,Your Siblings and Your Families!
God Be With You All! Sincerely, Anne (Daly) Bullinger, Trish Daly, Pauline & Denny O'Shea.
November 15, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Love, Nancy and Tom Gass
NANCY AND TOM GASS
November 15, 2015
May he rest in peace in his heavenly home. May God give his family comfort that a good man is finally won the race. Sorry Albee, I will not be able to attend due to work.
Edward Lefere
November 14, 2015
On behalf of the Bullinger family, I'd like to express our condolences to the entire Thorrez family on the passing of your father. I was privileged to be his neighbor both as a child and again as an adult. Mr. Thorrez was a wonderful man and a model parent and neighbor. He and Mrs. Thorrez raised a beautiful family. He will be greatly missed.
Jim Bullinger
November 14, 2015
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