Robert L. Thorstenson

Robert L. Thorstenson, 88, of Bayles Lake, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023, in Paxton. He was born on December 10, 1934, in Palestine, IL, the son of Julius and Sarieta (McCarter) Thorstenson. Bob married Diane Brown on August 6, 1960, in Paxton. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Diane Thorstenson of Bayles Lake; one son, Todd (Julie) Thorstenson of Champaign, and Tanya (Matt) Judy of Lake Iroquois; six grandchildren, Nick, Alexis, and Annabel Thorstenson, Ashley Judy, and Kennedy and Ireland Feit; and a nephew, Keith Thorstenson of Kansas City, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Jack. Bob’s family moved to Paxton when he was in grade school. He graduated from Paxton High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University and a Master of Education degree from the University of Illinois. Following his education, Bob taught high school in Onarga and Paxton. In 1964, he joined the business world, forming close lifetime friendships with Bill Cofel and John Healey, operating Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana. Bob was President of Lopax KFC and Lopax Advertising Agency. He had also been a director of the Farmers-Merchants Bank in Paxton, the Bobby Nichols Fiddlesticks Charity Foundation, Ft. Myers, FL, and the Illinois Restaurant Association. He was Chairman of the KFC National Co-op Advertising and enjoyed working with The Colonel. Bob also served terms as President of the Paxton United Fund, the Paxton Rotary, Lakeview Country Club, and the Paxton Education Foundation. He was also a Past Master of the Paxton Masonic Lodge. Bob and Diane spent 36 years in the warm weather of Florida, while still maintaining their Illinois home. A kind and gentle man, he enjoyed golfing in both places and loved to fly fish. When friends weren’t able to play anymore, Bob created a lunch group highly anticipated by all. At Bob’s request, cremation rites have been accorded. Private family services will be held at a later date. Friends are invited to share memories and celebrate Bob’s life on Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., at Lakeview Country Club in Loda. Memorials may be made in Bob’s name to the Paxton Buckley Loda Education Foundation or Alzheimer’s Association. The family would like to thank Accolade Healthcare staff in Paxton and Transitions Hospice team for the care they gave.

Robert L. Thorstenson

December 10, 1934 - September 30, 2023