Charles Wilbert "Chuck" Thoren

Charles Wilbert “Chuck” Thoren, age 82, of Manhattan, died December 27, 2020, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital in Manhattan.

He was born March 30, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Clarence and Jeanette Thoren, and moved from Ogden to Manhattan in 1996.  

Chuck graduated from Austin High School and later graduated from Washburne Trade School with a certificate of Culinary Arts.  

He served for 20 years in the United States Army as cook, General’s Aide and then as the Mess Hall Sergeant. He had received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, 6 Good Conduct Medals, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Civil Actions Honor Medal and the Meritorious Unit Citation. He retired from Fort Riley in 1981. He then worked as the cook for 21 years at Alpha Xi Delta and Alpha Chi Omega, and then for several years as the greeter at Wal-Mart, before fully retiring in 2016.

Chuck was a member of Peace Lutheran Church. He loved being a cheerleader for his two grandchildren and attended many of their sporting and school events. He enjoyed helping everyone and caring for others however he could he would. He also enjoyed camping and fishing.

He was married to Myrna Lindholm. They later divorced.

Survivors include his two children: Dana Sprinkle and her husband Steve of Abilene, KS, and Karsten Thoren of Manhattan; two grandchildren: Ryan and Danielle Sprinkle; one
brother-in-law Ralph Mazzuca; and one niece Kris Chuticoff.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Wynetta Mazzuca.