Richard Earl Thorn, age 89, of Sobieski passed away on Wednesday April 1, 2026, in Shawano surrounded by his family. Richard was born on August 18, 1936, in South Milwaukee to the late Peter and Clara (Bollig) Thorn. He proudly served his country in the National Guard. Richard worked at Appleton Paper as a forklift driver until retirement. He always went to his class reunions- Home of the Rockets. In his free time, he enjoyed skunking Dan in cribbage, ice fishing and watching the Chicago Cubs and Green Bay Packers. Richard loved spending time with his family and watching the wildlife.

Richard is survived by his children, Ron (Sue) Sturm, Dan Sturm, Tony (Bobby) Vrba, Mickey Bailey, Stephie (Brian) Thorn-Richardson, Richard Thorn, Robert (Rebecca) Thorn, Sonja (Greg) Godfrey and Andrea (Ed) Seibert; grandchildren, Jack, Grace, Robert, Amanda, Michael, Cash, Jase, Zak, Kayla, Sonya, Ian, Aubrey, Ashleigh, Austin, Alec, Emily, Linzy, Malakai, Chloe, Allison, Cooper and Owen; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Nolan, Eryn, Bryce, Kayleigh, Joe, Sera, Cade, Salem, Ophelia, Winslow, Otto, Payton, Billie, Zaden, Zarien, Harper, Brian and Hope; and special niece and nephew, Janis Wilson and John Mutter. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Richard is preceded in death by his siblings, Burnette Mutter, George Thorn, Raymond Thorn, Edward Thorn, Clarence Thorn, Peter Thorn, Helen Munia, Robert Thorn, Betty Wilson and Eugene Thorn; and parents, Peter and Clara Thorn.

A memorial service for Richard will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday April 9, 2026, at Swedberg-Wendt Funeral Home in Bonduel with Deacon Todd Raether officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 9:30 am until the time of service.