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William G. Thornberg
William G. Thornberg
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William Thornberg Obituary
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June 21, 2010
My thoughts are with all of my cousins, I am so sorry I was unable to be there with you (I was vacationing on the north shore when I heard). I will never ever forget my tall cousin the cop (that busted me and my friends at the old Met Stadium!!!), all of the picnics at the falls and the get togethers......too young-he will be missed. Love you all,
Kathy (Staples) LaRose
Glenn Solberg
June 19, 2010
Bill was a great friend and next door neighbor!
June 19, 2010
A good man, who would help his friends in a minute without question. I respected him a lot. I am sure he will be missed by all and his memories will be never forgotten.
Mac McInroy
June 18, 2010
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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June 18, 2010
Daytona won't be the same without you! RIP buddy.
Jeff & Theresa Olson
Frank Dallman
June 17, 2010
Bill, "TOO TALL"
We had great times on the "Power Shift" at 4s. You were one of my favorite cops. All spit shined, on time, and always had a word of wisdom. I noticed that during roll call discussions, when you spoke, everybody listened, including me. You always had an insight on different issues. Thats why you were so successful in starting the COP program in Elliot Park.
From the time you saved that youngsters life, who wanted to jump from the bridge till the time you insisted on going first, in front of me on that dwelling robbery/hostage because your were wearing a vest and I never did, you were always "MY HERO."
What more, the pork chops you would grill for the Power Shift, "no one" could top your abilities or you persona.
I knelt at your casket tonight, said a Hail Mary and an Our Father and told you that Bernie would be here if he could.
I met your daughter's finally,and told them how much you loved them and the slide presentation said the same.
We are all brothers and sisters in blue and we will all be together soon, just don't get heaven in an uproar until we meet again.....
Your Brother-in Blue
Frank
Carol Rogers
June 17, 2010
I am so sorry about your loss. I wish you comfort now, peace soon, and warm memories forever.
Too Tall - yes he was to a 5'4" co-worker at the MPD. Warm regards
Will Michalski
June 17, 2010
I actually thought that my brave, intelligent and humorous friend TOO TALL was about to dodge another bullet as he did his entire professional life. Now his friends have a big hole in our lives that no one else can fill. My heartfelt condolences go to Nikki, Heather,and Bill's siblings.
Years ago , after a remodel he/we loaded a 6 foot tiled hot tub into the back of my 72 Dodge pickup. I noted many admiring glances as a gray haired geezer motored north, up to who knows what. God bless Bill then, God bless Bill now. "It was better than a stick in the eye".
Liz (Thompson) McCrary
June 17, 2010
We are so sadden to hear this news. I have many fond memories of my friends' Dad and neigbor. My brother and I loved to swim in his hot tub and play with his police dog, Shane. He was such a fun person who loved his girls!! We actually saw him appear on the TV show "Cops" on evening and thought it was so cool that that he was our neighbor!!
My prayers go out to Heather and Nicole and his family during this hard time!
Gordy Hanson
June 17, 2010
I first met "too tall" when he and Mike Stenerson (Officers of the mens Auxiliary at the #1296 Vfw) Were nice enough to come and meet with Myself, Sharon, And Jerry Manos about starting a Mens Auxiliary at our Post (#5555). They gave us great advice as to getting started. We now have a strong organization, Thanks to there guidance and willingness to help us. I will always remember Too Tall as a big Man. But, He he had a bigger heart. He served us for years as a Police Officer. Then continued to serve Veteran's, Community and his Post. He was genuine and I will always respect him. Thanks Too Tall! I only hope our Mens Auxiliary continues to honor your attitude of Veteran's first!
Craig Deneen
June 17, 2010
Although you haven't been around as much lately and you've slowed down some, I've always enjoyed your company and all the help you have provided for the Post over the years. The Post will be less vibrant without you. RIP
June 17, 2010
In many of the comments Bill is referred to as "Too Tall" I never thought he was too tall. That was because I was one of the few people at Roosevelt that could look Bill in the eye. When it came to being a friend however he was not "Too Tall" he was a GIANT!
Bryan P. Björnson
RHS Class of 1970
Treasure (Ritchie) Eiden
June 16, 2010
Before he was Too Tall, growing up on 36th avenue, he was Big Bill to us. He used to babysit my brothers and me and we loved it! Condolences to Tom and the rest of the family.
Kathleen Formerly with EPNI
June 16, 2010
I met Bill Thornberg when he was the officer assigned to Elliot Park Community Oriented Policing Project/EP-COPP. He was a good cop and kind hearted, nice man. He did a great job for Elliot Park neighborhood and everyone loved him! I liked him a lot and am sad he will not be able to execute his retirement plans.
RIP, Too Tall, the world is a sadder place without you.
Mike "caveman" Moen
June 16, 2010
I got to know "Too Tall" at the VFW several years ago. I didn't know him when he was a cop, but in reading the guest book he was a fine dedicated officer. That doesn't surprise me at all. He shared many of his police experiences with me that had me in stitches. I know this, at the VFW he volunteered and gave of himself tirelessly. He'd spend all night "babysitting" the pig for the annual pig roast. He was a respected member of the Honor Guard, and one of the most unselfish people it's every been my privelege to know.
We had a thing, every time I would see him he always said, (because of my beard) "So easy a caveman can do it." The last time I saw him, he had a beard, and I responded in kind, he laughed until I thought he as going to fall over, so did I. Bill you're going to be missed. Rest in peace.
Eddie Freidlund
June 16, 2010
Thornberg Family,
Bill...FULL BLAST,NONE STOP,ALL THE WAY!!!
(I Will miss you big guy)
I felt like part of the family growing up with all of you.
My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Cassie Hortsch
June 16, 2010
My thoughts are with the Thornberg family. It was great having Bill and the girls as neighbors. In 5th grade I did a class presentation as a Bailiff; Bill let me borrow one of his big Minneapolis Police uniform shirts to wear so I felt extra official! I won't forget that - I sure was swimming in his "extra tall" shirt.
larry lattery
June 16, 2010
i knew bill as a fellow cop.
he was the cop with infectious smile and i will always remember his
great sense of humor
Remembering.....
Donna
June 16, 2010
Auntie Marion, John, Mike, Patty & Billy in Grandma & Grandpa's back yard.
Terry Knutson
June 16, 2010
I was so sorry to hear the news about Bill. He was such a great neighbor and so much fun to be around. I will never forget the great time we had on New's Years Eve, back in the 80's, when 6 of us rented and limo and He took us all over Minneapolis.
My thought and prayers are with the Thornberg family and the girls Heather and Nicole.
Tom (Mac) McKenzie
June 16, 2010
I'm going to miss my friend Bill more than words can express. Bill was an EXCELLENT police officer and a trusted friend. I respected Bill and will alway's remember him as a caring and compassionate man with a sense of humor second to none. Rest in peace my friend, until we meet again. Your buddy, Mac
Donna
June 16, 2010
Memories flooding my mind....childhood vacations with the Thornberg's, Christmas at Grandma and Grandpa's, Como Park Zoo Picnics, Minnehaha Falls picnics, weddings, funerals, family, life!!!
Gone, but never forgotten.
Love you.....
He who has gone, so we but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man. ~Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Gene Schreiber
June 15, 2010
I knew Bill through the mpls Police Dept.I never worked with him directly,but saw him frequently.I even bought a snowmobile from him years ago .He was a great guy and will be missed.The very best to the entire Family. Gene Schreiber Retired MPD Officer
Big Bad Red
June 15, 2010
Gonna miss you fellow bartender/chip-hanging guru.
Our mom and Bill around 15 years ago?
Donna
June 15, 2010
CONNIE KING
June 15, 2010
TOO TALL WE WILL MISS U BUDDIE U ARE ALWAYS LOVED AND WILL BE MISSED BY YOUR FRIENDS GOD BLESS THANK U FOR YOUR SIMLES
June 15, 2010
I emailed Patty my thoughts, but wanted to post them here as well....I can't begin to tell you how sorry I was to get the news about losing Billy (always Billy to me) I am so sick about not being able to pay my respects in person and wish so much to be able to hug all of you! You are all so very much in my heart! All my love!
Mary Kay
Steve Peasley
June 15, 2010
Bill's step brother Scott,myself and a couple of others lived in a house on 54th and Minnehaha back in the mid to late 70's.One night while the household was kicked back,probably listening to Pink Floyd,the place lit up like Close Encounters.I'm wondering what the.....after a moment I see Scott with a smirk.It was Bill in the gas station lot next door...just stop'n by give'n full lampage to the place.Rest in peace both Bill and Scott.
Bob Wells
June 15, 2010
My dear, dear friend. I will so profoundly miss you.
June 15, 2010
Like Bruce Johnson said, Too Tall was an excellent cop and friend who had a great sense of humor. I can still hear that chuckle he had when he laughed. Bill was way too young leave us. RIP.
Jim Wilson
Retired Mpls PD
Mark Hebert
June 15, 2010
Once a friend of Bill-always a friend of Bill. Altho' we hadn't seen each other in quite some time, I always knew he'd be there if I ever needed him. No longer is that comfort there & it is missed...until we meet again, my friend.
Dennis Alex
June 15, 2010
Bill was my friend, as he was to many coppers; Bill was also my partner for several years and I always felt safe knowing he had my back and I his. Bill used to laugh when we would get in the squad and repeat what was said at roll call the night before by Sgt. (Learch) Larson, Power Shift Supervisor: " Don't even think about asking to leave early tonight cause someone who's initals are Denny Alex called in sick (and then we would both laugh!).
I enjoyed Bill's company; he was a cop's cop.
Billy, when I got on my knees last night with my wife, I asked God to open his arms and welcome you home, my friend. (Bill & I always liked this saying, I don't miss the circus but I sure do miss the clowns.) Bill and I shared this with each other when one of our own passed.
As Bruce said he is in a good place with his friends and family around him.
See you later Bill
Sgt.Dennis Alex(retired)
Tony Miranda
June 15, 2010
Too Tall my partner and friend, I am very sorry. RIP
June 15, 2010
Thornberg Family,
Too Tall was a heck of a cop, friend and funny as one could be. I will always remember him and Big Tony working that squad together, quite the combo. And of course I will never forget the shift meeting at the Federation hall when Too Tall brought all the coppers pork chops from JD Hoyts.....Bill your in a good place with all you friends..God bless
Officer Bruce Johnson
Minneapolis Police
Gayle Nelson
June 15, 2010
I will always remember Too-Tall as that handsome vibrant cop who caught everyone's eye wherever we was. Fun, full of it...and a deep-down good guy who really cared. Too soon, too young...
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6527 Portland Avenue, Richfield, MN 55423
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