ROBERT KENNETH "SWEDE" THERKELSEN, 1927-1990

Sergeant (Ret) Robert Kenneth "Swede" Therkelsen, 63, of St. Robert, died Thursday, August 30, 1990 in his home. He was born February 11, 1927, in Evanston IL, the son of Otto and Hjordis Ann (Krogsgard) Therkelsen. Mr. Therkelsen grew up and attended school in the rural farm community of Sutton/Cooperstown/Binford ND. He had been baptized in the Lutheran Church.

In 1946 Mr. Therkelsen entered the U. S. Army, serving a tour during the Korean War, earning him the National Defense Service Medal. When he retired May 31, 1967, he had attained the rank of Sergeant. He was a member of the Ozark Memorial VFW Post 3176 and American Legion Post 331,

After retiring, he went to work for Bridgeport Marina, repairing boat motors. He also worked for civil service repairing boat motors at the Army Recreational Area at the Lake. He later started a small engine repair business.

Survivors include two daughters, Deborah Dieman of Plato and Julie Wagoner of Rolla; three sons, Kenneth Therkelsen of Cedar Rapids IA, Bruce Therkelsen of Dixon, and David Therkelsen of Montgomery AL; 11 grandchildren; one brother, Wesley Therkelsen of Texas; three aunts, Lulu Krogsgard, Ebby Krogsgard, and Alice Krogsgard Mason ; and a sister in law, Marcella Therkelsen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Hjordis Ann Therkelsen, and his twin brother, Richard Therkelsen.

VFW services were held at 7 p.m. Saturday, September 1, in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Chaplain (CPT) Jeffrey Burns officiating. Escorts were military. Members of the Ozark Memorial VFW Post 3176 and the American Legion Post 331 served as honorary escorts.

Burial with military honors was in the Ozark memorial VFW Cemetery, St. Robert. Services were under the direction of the Waynesville Memorial Chapel.