H. John Thorkelson

THORKELSON, H. John

Halsten John Thorkelson, 86, died Friday, (December 26, 2003), following a brief illness. He was born May 3, 1917 in Madison, WI, to Halsten Joseph and Mary (Carver) Thorkelson. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Virginia (Straus) Thorkelson, who died April 25, 2002. He leaves four children, Peter H., Nicholas A., John C. (Chris) and Anne E. Thorkelson; seven grandchildren, Hallie, Ivan, Eli, Molly, Cait, Ruby and Erica; two nieces, a nephew and other friends and relatives. He was educated in public schools in Madison, East Orange, N.J., and Kohler, WI, and attended Carleton College from 1934-38, receiving a B.A. with Honors in Economics. After graduating, he worked for a year in industry, then entered the University of Wisconsin Graduate School in 1939. He worked as a civil servant in the Dept. of Agriculture and the Budget Bureau in Washington, D.C. from 1941-43, and for the Education Department of the United Auto Workers in Detroit from 1943-45. In 1945, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and commissioned a Second Lieutenant. He served in the Military Government in Berlin, Germany, from 1946-48, locating housing for many displaced persons. Returning to the University of Wisconsin, he completed his graduate work (and Virginia her undergraduate work) in 1950. The family then moved to Mansfield Center where he joined the faculty of the Economics Department at the University of Connecticut. Apart from a year in Venezuela (1963-64) as an economic planner for that government, and a year in Canada as faculty member at the University of Saskatchewan, Regina (1966-67), he remained in Connecticut the rest of his life. He taught at UConn until 1983. He was instrumental in the growth of the American Association of University Professors and the Federation of University Teachers, and was very active in organizing the Urban Semester Program. He was well-respected by colleagues and students alike, one of whom praised Dr. Thorkelson as the best of the economics faculty, citing his "incredible breadth of knowledge." Another colleague said, "Thorkelson was an inspiring teacher." Always involved in social and community affairs, the couple continued to be active for many years after retirement, traveling, writing, and enjoying the company of their many family members and friends. A memorial is planned for the near future. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Niebyl Proctor Marxist Library, 6501 Telegraph Ave., Oakland, CA 99609-1113, or to Joshua's Tract Conservation and Historic Trust, P.O. Box 4, Mansfield Center, CT 06250.