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Dykes Funeral Home, Inc.

2305 North Campbell Street

Valparaiso, Indiana

Robert Thorgren Obituary

Thorgren, Robert G., Jr. Of Valparaiso, IN, Owner and president of Thorgren Tool & Molding in Valparaiso, passed away Saturday, March 31, 2012. He was 59. Long a philanthropist and benefactor in the community, Thorgren succeeded his father, Robert Sr. in the family tool and die company. The junior Thorgren grew the business to be an international manufacturer of plastic injection components to companies around the world. A 1970 graduate of Valparaiso High School and a 1975 graduate of Indiana University, he was president of the Theta Chi fraternity. He lived his whole life in Valpo, a community he loved and nurtured through his many gifts. The Valparaiso YMCA, Valpo Parks Department, Valpo Boys and Girls Club and Valparaiso University, Valpo Police and Fire Departments, the Porter County Sheriff's Department and Opportunity Enterprises were among the many beneficiaries. He was dedicated to his work and took pleasure in reading, golf, family, and spending time outdoors. Known for his pride in his Swedish heritage, he often referred to himself as a Viking and lived life to the fullest. His larger than life personality, kindness and generosity touched many. Often seen traveling around town in his white VW convertible, sporting his trademark mustache, he was sure to have his Great Dane in the backseat. Thorgren is survived by his wife Mona, (stepchildren Derek and Amanda Paarlberg), sons Robert III (Natalie), Tyler, Charlie (Erica), and daughter Courtney Smith (John). He had five grandchildren, including Annika Malone and Adelaide Smith, Bo and Sam Thorgren, and Lillian Thorgren. He is survived by one sister, Elin Thorgren (David Hickerson) of Chicago, and six nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Robert, his mother Elinor and his sisters Sheryl Freeman and Carla Buchanan. Always a family man, he shared a special relationship with his mother Elinor, the matriarch of the Thorgren family, who instilled in him the joy of giving. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at the Dykes Funeral Home, 2305 N. Campbell St., Valparaiso IN. Pastor Tómas Angon will be officiating. Interment, Graceland Cemetery, Valparaiso IN. Friends may call at the Dykes Funeral Home on Tuesday, April 3, 2012 from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Memorials may be made to the United Way.

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Published by Post-Tribune on Apr. 2, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Thorgren

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Hans Thorgren

March 27, 2022

We will never forget Robert. I found Robert, thanks to Internet, in 1997 when I was looking for relatives on Google. Without knowing anything about our relatives in Indiana at that time we babtized our son, born 1978, to Robert!. A coincidense? Robert Jr came over to us in Sweden in 1999. A wonderful meeting with a wonderful man. I and my family are happy to tell that we have good contacts with Robert's wonderful children. Our home is always open for them. Tyler has been here. He and his siblings are wellcome. Robert G. Junior had so many positive characteristics.
Hans and Christina Thorgren in Sweden with children and grandchildren

Linda cooper

March 27, 2020

Bobby was such a great man I used to clean there house when his children were small on my way to work for him I had a flat tire I called him to tell him I couldnt come He sent one his workers from the shop to get me and fixed my flat and bought the car to me I loved him and his family

Russell Polito

December 13, 2012

Bob's passing is a tragedy for myself as I am sure it is for all his family. It was a pleasure working for Bob during my tenyear at Thorgen Tool.
Russell Polito

Marlene Rodriguez

September 5, 2012

My condolences to the Thorgren family Im so sorry to hear so late about your dad's passing. My thoughts and prayers to all of you guys. I am confident that my good friend Elinor was waiting for him at heavens gates.

April 30, 2012

Bob was a good friend in high school. I'm sorry to learn of his death.
Barbara Conkling Mann

Hans Thorgren with fam.

April 10, 2012

During my genealogical research in 1997 I found, to my surprise, two men in Indiana with the same name as we had given our son , Robert Thorgren. I sent an e-mail to Robert Thorgren Jr and a connection with the Thorgren family line in the USA were established. Our first personal meeting was in 1999 when Bob and Mona came to us for a short visit and I showed him the schoolbuildning where his grandfathers´s father Johan Albert studied around 1880 before his emigration to USA. In 2006 Bob and his family invited my family to attend the wedding between his son Charlie and his Erica. That enormous generosity gave us memories for our lives. Bob was generous and considerate. He was very proud of his family and kept us informed as soon a new grandchild was born.
In these sad days we sympathize with Mona, Bob´s children and grandchildren, and his sister Elin in their sorrow. Bob will always live in our hearts.

April 8, 2012

Bob was always so kind and generous to our
family. We will miss him very much.
God Bless the Thorgren family.

Tom and Arlene Cavanaugh and family

Emily

April 6, 2012

It's almost unbearable walking into the office, knowing I won't hear Bob saying, "Good morning Emily! Is your glass half full or half empty today?" I've worked with Bob for the past 7 years, and it just wasn't long enough...To the Thorgrens, you are all in my prayers.

Philip Holland

April 6, 2012

My condolences to the entire Thorgren family. I had the pleasure of knowing Bob from business and enjoyed my time with him. He was a remarkable person. He had a way of challenging you to excel, honestly, sometimes he was the challenging one, but he was always honest, forthright and direct. He had an excellent reputation and was a very good citizen of the industry. He was a rare individual and will be missed. I truly enjoyed my time with him.

Jay Shellabarger

April 5, 2012

Please let me express my sincere sympathy to the entire Thorgren family. Bob was my favorite customer and in a short amount of time he was my friend. The times I spent in Bob's office or on the phone with him negotiating his plastic prices and going to lunch were always a fond memory. It was crazy how great he made you feel. I enjoyed him calling me Monte Hall and the emails that he sent me of Monte Hall. God bless you Bob and all of your family and employees. I just found out today of Bob's passing and I was devastated over the loss. I will really miss Bob.

Best regards,

Jay Shellabarger,
Daleville, Indiana

Kendra Thorgren Casselman

April 5, 2012

Elin, Andy, and the rest of the family....
Cousin "Bobo"'s life was too short--the same as many of the rest of the family for some reason God called them home too early. Elin, I know how tough it is to be the only one left...I will always remember the fun times in Grandma & Grandpa's basement--we were blessed with the best Grandparents. Thoughts & prayers are with you all--God bless

Sherri Williams

April 4, 2012

So sorry for your loss. Bob will be deeply missed my many.

Kevin and LaTosha Knight

April 3, 2012

Your family is in our prayers.

Dave Truitt

April 3, 2012

I join with the other brothers of Alpha Iota in expressing sincere sympathy to Bob's family. The times he spent in Bloomington were certainly fun for all of us at Theta Chi. His smile is easily remembered from that time. Always there with the helping hand. His family has every reason to be proud of our brother and his life story. A review of all of the comments made of him tells us all to live each day as he did - to the fullest. God bless you Bob and all of your family.

Malissa Doelling-Happer

April 3, 2012

Thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences to the entire Thorgren family. Bob will be missed by the entire community......

Rob (Wally) Romine and Family

April 3, 2012

The sad news I received Saturday night has led me to reflect on all of the years I have known Bob.
Brother, I am so blessed to have known, lived with and broken bread with you. I am richer for the experience.
My sincere condolences to the family as you cope with the loss of Bob.
Rest in Peace Brother,
Wally
Alpha Iota chapter of Theta Chi '76

Kelly Ricciardi

April 3, 2012

Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Tyler and the rest of the family!
God Bless! Love Joey, Kelly, Giuseppe & Gigi Ricciardi-Valpo

April 3, 2012

you will be mised

Jim Rodman Jr.

April 3, 2012

I wish to offer my sincere condolences. As a young man working at Thorgren Tool I learned many things. I'm truly sorry for the family's loss.

Glenn Dowd

April 3, 2012

Sincere condolences to the family. My thoughts and prayers go out to you at this time of sorrow.
God Bless.

Bill Mullenholz

April 3, 2012

To the Thorgren Family: "Thorgy" was a gift to us all. What a guy! We had some great times and adventures at IU. His love and generosity can never be surpassed. Bob, wait by the gates for us. We will join you soon. My prayers and condolences to you all. -Mully, A.I., '73

Michael Smith

April 3, 2012

Bob, it was my pleasure to be your fraternity brother. You and Gary Walker were two of the key brothers that made me want to join Theta Chi, now you are both gone,,, Damn,, two very good men. Capt. Happy

Chris and Debbie Hagenbush

April 3, 2012

We are very saddened to hear of Bob's passing. Bob was a brother to me by choice rather than blood back in our prime at IU. For reasons that don't bear discussion, Bob called me "Arnie" and I called him "Charles" back in the day. He will be remembered for his sharp wit, inherent integrity and zest for life but above all for his generosity of spirit. He made any space he occupied lighter and more fun. Although we haven't seen each other much since leaving IU, I was blessed to play in his foursome last July at the Annual Theta Chi outing. We were both slower and bigger but Bob had never lost his love of life, humor and spirit of generosity. The old saying says "It's not the years of your life but the life in your years that counts." By this measure, Bob's life, although far too short was very full. Bob's passing will leave a hole in his family, his community and our hearts that can never be filled but his presence in the next life will certainly make Heaven a more fun place to be. Rest well my Brother!!
Chris and Debbie Hagenbush

CARRIE SHRIVER

April 3, 2012

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY,BOB WAS A GREAT BOSS WILL BE MISSED FROM RED

CARRIE SHRIVER

April 3, 2012

MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY,BOB WAS A GREAT BOSS WILL BE MISSED FROM RED

Tom Hampson

April 3, 2012

My condolences to the family.

Rob Rogers

April 3, 2012

Charlie, I'm sorry for your loss. Losing a parent is very difficult and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "Rob Rogers and Sue Hanselman"

April 3, 2012

Rob and family. My deepest sympathy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Maria Harrell

Debbie Dancy Cubberley

April 3, 2012

Courtney and Family,

You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Derek Braggs

April 3, 2012

Rob, Tyler, Courtney, and Charlie: You're dad was a good man – a prominent figure in the community for whom I have a great deal of respect. He may be gone, but the stories will probably outlive us all… and I've heard some good ones! Our town is a better place because of him, and he will be missed.

Regina Norrris

April 3, 2012

Rob and family, So sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was a great man, and I throughly enjoyed working with all of you. Regina Norris

Barb BOULE'

April 3, 2012

So sorry to hear of Bobby passing. I am sending prayers to the whole family, He and his family have been an inspiration to so many people in our family. He will be sadly missed. May you R.I.P BOBBY!!!!!!!!!! The Boule' Family

Jin Jim

April 3, 2012

Rob and family
It's really sorry to hear about this bad news…In our mind, Bob is just like an amiable father. As I remembered he treated us as his children during a memorable trip. He also gave us great support on work. Even there was little profit in recent years from JTL he still supported us as usual…We will keep working hard in return for his trust and support to us.

We lost an excellent and foreseeing friend and relative. Please accept our sincere prayers from my whole family.Hoping he will live a happy life in the heaven.



Jim&Terry
Thorgren China JTL Co.,Ltd.

Bob and Helga Morton

April 2, 2012

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Denny Southers

April 2, 2012

To Rob, Tyler, Charley, and all the rest of Bobby's Family and Friends;

I am both saddened and happy. Sad because I won't see Bobby again until I reach Heaven and happy because he is in a place we all hope to be someday. As I type this I can't help but smile in thinking back to your Dad and the things we did to make each other laugh. I had known BoBo since he ran around in diapers on Qak St. He and I have been friends for around 56 years. Played many a game at Banta School and Kirchoff Park. To say Bobby was a character or one of a kind was to say the least. He was a friend to everyone he ever met.

I'm sorry I won't be able to attend the funeral but will be thinking of you all and be there in spirit.

RIP BoBo
See ya again someday
Love You Man,
Denny Southers

April 2, 2012

Rob and family, sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Horsleys

April 2, 2012

To the Thorgren family.My deepest sympathy.I worked at Thorgren's almost 10 years.I have great memories from their.May God be with you in this very hard time.lean on the lord he will see you through.God be with you all.Your in my prayers. Joan (Brown) Salim

April 2, 2012

I along with many brothers of Theta Chi will miss Bob's smile, laugh, & quick wit. When Bob was around - everybody had a good time. Condolences to his family and many friends. Mark Recht

Deavron Farmer

April 2, 2012

Thorgren family,
I cant express in words how sorry I am for your loss. You know what friends Bob and I were and my heart is just broken at his passing. Both Jeanene and my prayers are with you as well as those of your Matrixx Group family in Evansville. God bless.

Jerry Scott

April 2, 2012

A kind and generous person. Rest in peace, Bob.

Linda Cooper

April 2, 2012

So sorry to hear about Bobby.I have known him since before Charlie was born.He was such a generous,and all around super guy It has been a pleasure to have known him. May he rest in peace

Ray Hewlett

April 2, 2012

Knowing Bobby for many years as well as the family's giving to the community all my life, causes me to remember all that has been done~not forgotten.

Ray and Jen Hewlett

April 2, 2012

Our deepest condolences to Bob's family. Having known the Thorgren family for many years, we have found Bob to one of the most generous people we have had the honor of meeting. He was a great help to our family many years ago during the long illness and death of our son, Brian. We are deeply saddened to hear of his passing. He will be missed by many.
Ron & Ella Edwards

April 2, 2012

Mona and family: Our thoughts and prayers will be of you today. I have lost a good buddy and will miss Bob's great sprit. Please be strong.
Lynn and Karen Colby

Ana Bekelya

April 2, 2012

Charlie and Erica,
Our deepest sympathy to your family at such a difficult time. May your Dad rest in peace.

Steve Butterfield

April 2, 2012

Very saddened with Bobby's passing. Wonderful childhood, VHS and IU memories .... A great human being. RIP Thorgy

Clarke and Beth Horsley

April 2, 2012

our condolences to the Thorgren family

April 2, 2012

Prayers for the Thorgren family. I always enjoyed seeing you at Eagle Foods during the time I worked there.
Linda Ruch

Emily Bornstein

April 2, 2012

Rest In Peace Great Viking...Bob will be sorely missed.He was the salt of the Earth...

Erica's Grandparents

April 2, 2012

Charlie, You are in our thoughts and prayers. We were very sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad.
Our Love,

Vicki Davis

April 2, 2012

My thoughts and prayers to all of you. I just want to say I'm sorry for your loss. Bob was a wonderful giving man and will be greatly missed.

Chambers Family

April 2, 2012

We are so saddened by the news, you guys have been like family for the last 15 years. Thoughts and prayers to the family, and please let us know if there is anything we can do.

Emily Bornstein

April 2, 2012

Rest In Peace Great Viking...You'll be sorely missed...

Craig Hanson

April 2, 2012

Bob gave new meaning to "living life to its fullest"! My sincere condolences to his family, your loss will truly be shared by the many whose lives he touched, and especially all who knew Bob and were privileged to share experiences with him.

Craig Nightingale

April 2, 2012

Our condolences to the Thorgren family...Bob was certainly one of a kind and will be missed by all who ever had the pleasure of knowing him.

Rob Fitting

April 1, 2012

Robert Glenn....gosh darn it.... you were one of my favorites at Theta Chi......such a giving person, funny, entertaining and you always brought such life to any gathering. Whether you were at a Theta Chi function or not.....you were always discussed with a smile on everyone's face who spoke about you. It saddens me of your passing, as I know it does everyone who knew you. You were unique.... a character to say the least, but your generosity & support of Theta Chi Fraternity is what I will always remember about you. You were one good Guy. My sincere condonlences to your family.

Theta Chi - Class of 1971

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