Kenneth Franklin Thornbrugh Jr., 62
Kenneth Franklin Thornbrugh Jr., 62, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009, in the emergency room at Boundary Community Hospital in Bonners Ferry.
Funeral services were held Feb. 7 at Bonners Ferry Funeral Home with burial following at Grandview Cemetery, Bonners Ferry.
He was born Sept. 1, 1946, in Independence, Kan., to Kenneth F. and Esther Mae Fishburm Thornbrugh Sr.
His grandparents wanted him to be named Mike, so that’s how he got his nickname that he carried throughout his life.
During Mike’s childhood, the family moved to numerous locations including California, Colorado, Oklahoma and Kansas. Moving was required to find suitable work to raise a family, which included Mike’s siblings Wayne, Jay, David, Debbie and Michelle.
Mike played in the all-state basketball championships as a senior in Lenapah, Okla. For his abilities and performances in basketball, he was given a full scholarship to Iowa State.
Mike had other plans though. On Oct. 22, 1964, he married the love of his life, Nancy Ann Stevens in Fremont, Calif., while attending his first semester. Together they began a family, having their children Irmajean Spencer, Kenneth Thornbrugh III, Steven and Mike Thornbrugh, and Tabithia Kuehn over 16 years.
Their children were always his absolute first priority. Mike put the wants and needs of his family first and above all else, often requiring him to work two or three jobs at a time. Whatever it took, Mike always rose to the occasion, not always doing what he desired, but what was needed. His sacrifices will always be remembered by those who loved him the most.
In 2003 Mike and Nancy moved to Bonners Ferry to enjoy a ‘semi-retired’ life and to be near children and grandchildren. Mike worked various part-time jobs, usually in customer service. Then on Feb. 3, 2009, God called Mike home to be with him much to his family’s heartbreak.
Mike is survived by his loving wife, with whom God gave them 44 wonderful years together; children Irmajean and her husband, Randy, Kenny and his wife, Mary, Steve and wife, Laura, Mikey and Tabithia; grandchildren Duke, Jason and his wife, Cassie, Shane and wife, Summer, Cory, Dallas, JT, Victoria, Kendall and Tyler; and great-grandchildren Cason and Alexis Spencer with Jaycie Spencer due in April; in-laws, the Rev. A.M. and Irma Stevens; brothers-in-law Richard and Terry Stevens; and numerous family and friends.
Family and friends can sign Mike’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Bonners Ferry Funeral Home handled arrangements.