Robert Thorud

Robert “Bob” Thorud, 66, of La Crosse, WI, passed away Tuesday July 23, 2013 at his home.

Bob, son of Jim and Ada Thorud, was born on February 27, 1947 in La Crosse, WI.  He went to Logan High School and entered the Navy as a SeaBee in June 1966.  Bob served two terms in Vietnam between 1967-1968.  After returning, he worked at Gateway Foods warehouse.  Bob’s potential was quickly recognized and soon he found himself in a management role.  Bob earned a reputation as a hard worker, tough negotiator, and fair manager during his 20 years at Gateway Foods. Bob’s career continued to thrive at Kwik Trip where he served a Vice President of Operations.  During his 22 years at Kwik Trip, he helped develop its bakery and distribution centers, oversaw store expansions, and managed the warehouse and trucking divisions.

Bob also achieved great success as an entrepreneur. For over 30 years, he owned, operated and/or invested in many companies.  One of his greatest passions was developing residential and commercial properties in Onalaska, Holmen, and West Salem.  He also served as a board member of GMDC, a national association; WI Tobacco outlets; Aquinas High School; and, River Bank.

Bob was an avid outdoorsmen. He enjoyed traveling, time with his family, helping others, and an occasional Crown Royal. Bob gained tremendous respect from all around him for his unique values and abilities: he was brilliant yet unassuming, uncompromisingly honest yet genuinely compassionate, highly accomplished yet disarmingly humble, private yet gregarious, incredibly hardworking yet irresistibly fun-loving.

Bob is survived by his wife Elinor, married September 5, 1970.  Bob and Elinor were high school sweethearts, both born and raised on the north side. Survivors also include his 2 children Ben Thorud of Holmen and Julie (Thorud) Adrianopoli married to Carlin Adrianopoli of Wilmette, IL; 3 grandchildren Caden, Owen, and Tyson Adrianopoli; his sister Judy Coughlin of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; his mother Ada Thorud; and, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Jim Thorud.

Visitation will be held on Thursday July 25th from 4-7pm at the Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Home, 1501 West Ave. South, La Crosse with a prayer service at 4:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. at St. James the Less Catholic Church, 1032 Caledonia St. Rev. Robert Schaller will officiate. There will be a visitation on Friday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Children’s Museum of La Crosse, 207 5^th Ave. South, La Crosse or Franciscan Healthcare Foundation (Hospice Program) 212 11^th St. South, La Crosse, WI.