Roger Dale Thorngren

February 28, 1922 – July 16, 2019

From the 95th BG Memorials Foundation Facebook page:

In deep sadness, the Memorials Foundation and the Heritage Association report that Roger Thorngren of Mt. Morris, IL, left formation on 16 July 2019, aged 97 years. Roger was a 334thbombardier. Folded wings.

Charlie Riggs, Roger’s ball turret gunner, informed Linda Endris this past weekend with the sad news of his crewmate’s passing. Charlie wrote that Roger “died at home in the house he and his wife built 62 years ago. He was very active for his age. He had just hosted a party for 30 friends and family on the fourth of July. He died peacefully, just like he wanted it to happen. He is survived by three sons and one daughter and bunches of grand-kids. His son, Kris, who lives in Old Hickory, TN, was responsible for me getting the ride in the B17, ‘Aluminum Overcast’[.]”

Roger was born to Robert and Myrtle Thorngren in Rochelle, IL, on 28 February 1922. He grew up in Milledgeville. As his obituary reads, “Roger was a graduate of Milledgeville High School and the University of Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from February 2, 1943 to October 5, 1945. Roger was an officer and he served on a bomber crew in the European theater.

“He married his childhood sweetheart, Carol Peugh, in Little Rock, Arkansas, on June 19, 1943. Roger and Carol returned to Milledgeville after the war and moved to Mt. Morris around 1950. They remained Mt. Morris residents until their passing. Carol passed away in August, 2013.

“Roger’s career was in journalism. He operated the local newspaper in Milledgeville early in his career. He was also editor of the newspaper in Mendota and later became editor of the Mt. Morris Index. He worked at Kable Printing Company as well. He ended his career as an editor for Watt Publishing Company.

Survivors include three sons: Kris of Old Hickory, TN, Mark of Camarillo, CA, and Philip of Rockford, IL; one daughter, Andria (Burchett), of Geneva, IL; eleven grandchildren: David of Hollywood, CA, Erik of Nashville, TN, Rudy of Camarillo, CA, Andrew of Newport News, VA, Valerie of Camarillo, CA, Alison of Davis, CA, Drew of Wheaton, IL, Hillary, of Chicago, IL, Becci, of Chicago, IL, Taylor of Dublin, OH, and Mackenzie of Noblesville, IN; and eight great-grandchildren.

Roger was active in serving the Village of Mt. Morris. He was a member of the School Board during the years when two grade schools were constructed. He was also a member of the Water and Sewer Commission when new infrastructure was installed. Roger served on the Building Fund Committee of the Disciples of Christ Church (‘Christian Church’) during the time that the current building (now the Disciples United Methodist Church) was planned and constructed. Further, he was a member of the Pinecrest Manor Board during the time that a new building was constructed at Pinecrest. Roger was a charitable donor, supporting many local charities.

“Roger enjoyed photography and reading Westerns. He was an avid (if not skilled) golfer. Roger did most of the work of building the family home where he resided until his passing. Those of us who know and love Roger will remember his special sense of humor, his strong moral character, and his devotion to his wife Carol.

“Memorial services will be held at noon on Friday, July 26, at the Disciples United Methodist Church in Mt. Morris. A visitation will be held from 11 am until noon at the church.

“In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pinecrest Manor or Disciples United Methodist Church.

“Arrangements are being handled by Finch Funeral Home, Mt. Morris.”