Nathan Kingsley Thon

Nathan Kingsley Thon, Jr., 80, of Arnolds Park, Iowa died Saturday, March 14, 2009, at the V.A. Medical Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Nate was born June 11, 1928, in Austin, Minnesota to Nathan Kingsley and Marie (Sathre) Thon, Sr. Nate graduated from Armstrong Public School. After completing his schooling, Nate served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He was united in marriage to Joan M. Yackle on February 21, 1952, at Parks Air Force Base, Pleasanton, California. Most of their 57 years of marriage were spent in Arnolds Park. Nate was a printer by trade, working for the newspaper before moving on to Berkley & Company. He retired from Berkley after spending 29 years in their employ. Nate enjoyed identifying military planes, listening to country music, and old TV shows. He was notorious with his family for always knowing the answer to any question, regardless of the topic. Nate was an avid collector of matchbook covers, stamps, beer cans, and Native American art, to name a few. He was "green" before going green was in. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joan of Arnolds Park; children, Cynthia (Brian) Kistner of Alexandria, VA, Elizabeth Swartzbaugh of Sioux Falls, SD, Scott Thon of Ridgecrest, CA, Heidi (Bill) Pearson of Fostoria, IA; six grandchildren, Heather, Natalie, Amy, Will, Hope, and Faith; two great grandchildren, Connor and Peyton; a half brother, Kevin; as well as other extended family members and friends. Nate was preceded in death by both of his parents.