Frederick A. Thor

Frederick "Fred" Archie Thor, 76, of Kewaunee, passed away on March 6, 2024, peacefully at home surrounded by family after a long battle with cancer.

Fred was born on March 10, 1947, to the late Adolph and Mary (Paider) Thor. He was a graduate of Kewaunee High School, class of 1965, and a lifelong member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Kewaunee. Fred served for 20 years as a member of the Kewaunee Fire Department.

Fred valued hard work. He held his first paying job at the age of 13 on his cousin Bernard's farm. He started working at Kewaunee Bottling in high school where he sorted bottles and worked his way up to plant manager. He took great pride in making sure all the special events for Kewaunee Bottling were well organized, stocked, & running smoothly. Fred was employed at Kewaunee Bottling for 30+ years.

On October 10, 2001, he married the love of his life, Melinda "Lyn" (Duerst) Burmeister at Calvary Assembly of God in Algoma. Fred and Lyn were happily married for 22 years. Throughout life's hardships, their love remained strong and steadfast. Lyn's love for Fred was evident by the enduring care she provided for him throughout his battle with cancer.

After Kewaunee Bottling, Fred drove semi-truck with Aegis and Koch all over the U.S. until his health forced him into retirement in 2012. One of his greatest career accomplishments was driving one million miles accident free.

Upon retirement, Fred and Lyn enjoyed traveling with family and meeting new friends along the way. Of the many trips, Fred's favorite was Hawaii. Camping with family was another past time of his. His love of driving was expressed by always being the golf cart chauffeur. The kids and adults would line up waiting for a ride. The grandkids will never forget all the golf cart rides to get ice cream; everyone who knew Fred knew he loved his sweet treats.

Survivors include, his wife Lyn; his son Jason (Jessica) Thor, and their children, Hayden and Scarlett; his son, Jamie (Carrie) Thor, and their children, Jake, Jerica (Jesus), Dylan, and Elleri; his son Scott (Jana) Thor, and their children, Madison, and Morgan; his stepson, Jessie (Erin) Burmeister, and their children, Codie (Kelsey), Savanna, and Jesse; his stepdaughter, Gena (Ken) Vlies, and their children, Gage, Evan, and Malayna; and one great-grandchild, Isabella; sister, Gloria Slack; brother, Donald (Bonnie) Thor; sister-in-law, Ginny Thor; Lyn’s siblings and their spouses; and by the mothers of his sons, Christine Paplham, and Sharon Baxter.

Fred was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Milton and Doris Duerst; brother, Audie Thor; infant sister, Mary; and sister Catherine; brother-in-law, Al Slack; nephew, Brad Slack, and step-granddaughter, Delanie.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, March 10, 2024, from 3:00-7:00 pm at Kinnard Funeral & Cremation Services - Kewaunee with a prayer service at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Monday, March 11, 2024, from 10:00-11:30 am. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 12:00 pm (noon) with Msgr. Jim Dillenburg officiating. Burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery - Norman. Online Condolence messages may be shared at KinnardFCS.com.

A special thank you to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center and their team and to Unity Hospice.