Funeral Service: 11 AM Saturday, August 22, 2015 at Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cokato
Visitation: 4-8 PM Friday, August 21, at Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cokato
Prayer Service: 7 PM Friday at church
Interment: Spring Park Cemetery Sandstone, MN
Philip Leslie Thinesen 85, Cokato, passed away on August 16, 2015 surrounded by his family. He was born November 13, 1929 in Askov, Minnesota to John William Thinesen (d.1977) and Theodora (Hansen d.1986) Thinesen. Phil was the third of four sons, Rex (d. 1990), Ralph (d. 1985) and John, and a foster daughter, Mae (Thompson) Anderson (d.1990). Phil graduated from Sandstone High School, worked on the ore boats on Lake Superior, joined the US Army in 1948, and accepted a second tour of duty in 1952 at the outbreak of the Korean War when his specialty of radio communications was in high demand. At his discharge he had earned the rank of Staff Sergeant. Phil married Inez Olson in 1952 and together they had six children. After his service, he trained under the GI Bill as a manager for Central Lumber Yards, working in Sandstone, Mora and then moving his family to Cokato in 1960 to take over at the Standard Lumber Company where he worked until his retirement in 1990. He was a member of the American Legion for 60 years. Phil was a 20 plus year veteran of the Cokato Volunteer Fire Department. Phil enjoyed western movies, history, good humor, crossword puzzles, reading, collecting marbles and lighters. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and spending time laughing with family and friends. He was proud of his Danish heritage. He is survived by five children, Phyllis Wachutka (Bruce) of Chanhassen. Paul Thinesen (Colleen) of St. Cloud; Pamela Thinesen of Ramsey, Philip Thinesen (Joyce) of Cokato and Perry Thinesen (Joyce) of Cokato; twelve grandchildren, two great granddaughters and five great grandsons, brother John of Askov, brother-in-law Wilbert (Buzz) Olson (Carol) of Sandstone, and special friend of 14-years, Wilma Nelson of Cokato. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Inez (Jan. 01, 2000), infant daughter Peggy Jean (Dec. 18, 1960), his parents John and Dora, foster sister Mae, and brothers Ralph and Rex.
