I just read of Sgt. Thorson's passing in the Shield newspaper.  I had met him prior to becoming a police officer in 1977 and worked with his son, Don.  Sgt. Thorson was a good man as is his son.  My prayers go out to his family.  God Bless.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Bob for over forty years. He and his wife Joan had always made my wife and I feel as though we were part of the Thorson family. His love and friendship will never be forgotten. Although I may not miss his vice grip handshakes but I know my wife will miss those big bear hugs and kisses.
Bob played an important role in my decision to apply with OPD he was a great role model. I remember coming on the department and when his name was ever mentioned it was done with the highest respect and admiration. Bob taught me a lot, but more important he taught everyone he was around by his work ethic and desire to do the job the way it is suppose to be done. 
To Joan and the Thorson family, we are sorry for your loss and remember Bob will always be missed but will never be forgotten.

I have know Bbob and Joan  since 1948 when I introduced Bob to Joan who was my roommate in Nurses training in Omaha.I loved them both as we had some great times while iin  school, getting in to the dorm before the house mother would get after us. Eddie and I double dated with the Thorsons.Bob was in De-Mo-Lay's and I was in Job's daughter and we invited Joan and Ed to  many of our dances and meetings. I can remember when Joan and I shared an apartment with Gayle and Luci after we graduated. Thank goodness no one can take away our fond memories of the past.Joan I hope you and I can sit down some day and go over the great memories we have.   Bob was always a jewell to be with.  He was always at our class reunions  and opened his home to many of Joans classmates before we went our separate ways.No one could ever take Bob's place. Love, Dottie Fox-Teesdale, Lowell, MI.

I wrote a memorial to Bobs family the day after he passed but for some reason it did not get printed. I want to say again that from the late fifties until we retired we always worked the same shift and near each other both in uniform and detective bureau. We were great friends and looked out for each other we enjoyed a rapport that I do not believe exists on the job today. I will miss him forever.

Sgt. Merrill D Putnam, retired, Phoenix, Az

I met Bob 2-3 times in my life, once as a very young son of a OPD officer, and the next two times as a lot older son of a OPD Officer, and retired officer, and I am a better person because of it!!! Sgt. Thorson was not only an excellent Police Officer, but was also and excellent individual, a role model, not only to his family, but also to those who had the privilage
to visit with him! The Old School cops Like Bob, and recently passed Bud Burchard are such a treasure that is fading fast, and I wish everyone, not only current Law Enforcement Officer, but everyday citizens had a chance to meet them and visit with then for a period of time!!! 

Goods Speed to Bob's Family!!!

Jeff Taylor

Joan,
It was our pleasure to get to know the life you and your wonderful husband shared together. We will always remember his bright smile that greeted us at the table when you came to Vidlak's. We wish you peace and comfort through this difficult time and hope to see you again soon.
Love, Jess and Cari

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing from Carolyn Burton (mother in law) He was such a lovely man and he will be greatly missed!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

I am so sorry to learn of your loss.  Bob was a special man and will be missed by so many.  My late husband (Walter "Sonny" Louis) was so fond of him and your family. I think I first met Bob when he was at the auction and Hub, Sonny and Bob would sit and talk.  May "His" peace be with you.  With sympathy, love and prayers,  Faith Louis

I met Bob in the '60's when I was a rookie officer and he was handling homicides. He was a great teacher to a rookie, showing how to maintain perspective in the worst of circumstances. I left OPD (to my regret) in the '70's but have never forgotten him.

We feel blessed to have had Bob as a "back yard" neighbor.  I will miss the tomato plant competition, but he always won anyway.  I will miss our talks at the fence, but especially I'll miss his hugs.  He was a great neighbor and a great man.  Our love and sympathy to his family.

We love you Grandpa and will miss you so much!!  Thanks for always making us feel so loved!
Ryan, Sarah, and Ryder

We were fortunate to having met Bob & Jo several years ago and always enjoyed your friendship.  Bob was a very pleasant and loving person.  We will miss him at coffee.  Jerry & Mary Sestak

The Preisters were so lucky to become part of the Thorson family. We thank you and will surely miss Bob at the family gatherings. Larry & Vicki Preister

To the family but particularly Bob and Don...my contact with your dad started with church, then you two and the job and then lawn mowers.  He was always gracious, professional and interested in others.

Bob was a great friend who always had a kind word and smile for me when he would come into the gym. He was such a joy to check him in and always was able to put a smile on my face. I will miss him dearly but he is in a better place where he can do all the things he couldn't at the end..Hope you and my dad become good friends in heaven as you two are so much a like.

I worked Homicide with Bob in the late 60's before my retirement.  He was a good friend and a great partner.  He will be missed by his family and friends.  My wife and I send thoughts and prayers to his wife, Joan.  Bill Hopkins, OPD, Retired.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful man with us.  He will always be in our hearts.  His bear hugs will never be forgotten. 
Love,
Dick & Pam Stipe & family

 JUST RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM THE  BLACKS. IT WAS A PLEASURE KNOWING BOB.  JOAN AND FAMILY, YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.

It really has been a privilege to know Bob for so many years.He has been a wonderful friend and allways so much fun to be with. We are very sad-and we will miss him.
Love and Prayers to all                               Bill & Jo Crowell

Bob was a very good friend of mine. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers. he can take my towels to heaven with him. Rest in peace Bob.  love Frank Tripp

I had the pleasure of knowing Bob since the early 60s in Covert Lodge and elsewhere. A great guy,and friend. He will be missed by many. So sorry for the family

The special thoughts I have of Bob are his warm greetings of hugs and kisses. My brothers Don & Gary still talk about the good times they had with Bob when they went catfishing in Kansas. I will miss him at Christmas dinners at my daughter Carla & Bob's home. He was one of the nicest men I ever knew. My prayers go to all the Thorson family.
Betty Hindman 
(mother-in-law to Pat)

Don...Kathryn and I send our most sincere sympathies at the passing of your father. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care.

I had the pleasure of working with Sgt Thorson in the Homicide Unit at OPD. He taught me a great deal about police work, but more importantly he showed me how to be a loving husband, father and friend. Another one of my mentors and hero’s is gone, but never forgotten.   Jack ODonnell

An amazing grandpa, full of love, hugs and kisses, always smiling and a great dancer!  Thoughts and prayers are with the family.  We were blessed to have him here on earth, and we will dance with him again, in Heaven!  Love you!

Joan, Patty, Bob and Don:  I'm so sorry to hear about Bob.  He was a wonderful man and I will miss him.

Sorry to hear of Bob's passing , was fortunate enough to see him at lunch when I happened to be in Omaha last October

Lisa and I always enjoyed Bob's company at family getherings in Omaha and during Bob and Joan's winter stays at the Sand Castle in Port Aransas, Texas.  He was a terrific guy who will be sorely missed.

To the Bob Thorson Family,
We feel honored to have known Bob, one of the kindest people we've ever met. May God's spirit give you peace & comfort. Rejoice in all your fond memories.     
           In Christian Love,
           Jack & Pat McManigal

So sorry to hear of Bob's passing.  Please know that he is in a much better place sitting with the Lord. I recently heard of his situation through Harold Neihart.  His passing will get easier for you knowing that he is in heaven.  It will get easier to understand as the hours and days move forward.  May God be with you all.

Bob was a great role model to young police officers.  He was probably one of the best interrogators I have ever met.  We will miss him.

Deepest sympathy to Jo and family, Bob was a wonderful man.  I will miss his smile and the talks in the driveway.

We camped with Bob for serveral years and there certainly wasn't a nicer guy. He was great at playing " Simom Says " and made a lot of people sit down.  We really missed camping with Bob and Jo Ann. Thanks Bob for all the good times we had with you and your family.  Allen and Marie Neal in Palmview, Texas

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Bob was a great guy and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed by all.

What a great guy and an excellent Police Officer and Command officer.One of the best guys I ever worked with in my career.

Tony Grazziano
retired 911 Supervisor

We all lost a very good man when Bob was called home.

While he could bend nails with his bare hands he was a kind and gentle man who stood out as a great example of what we should all strive to be like.

Those he leaves behind - of whom he was so very proud - will carry on his legacy as a tribute to who he was.

Bob was such a great man. It is always so fun to have Thorsons at our family gatherings and I will miss him being there. He lived his life as a great example of a family patriarch and his legacy continues on through his children and grandchildren. My thoughts and prayers to Joan and the Thorsons.

Thanks for your service To The City of Omaha.
Ret. Hist. 
D.C.S.

We love you very much Grandpa Thorson.  You battled a very hard fight and we know you are in a better place now.  We miss you.  Love, Mike, Tyne, Clara and Lane Thorson

My thoughts are with all of you at this sad time. I will never forget Bob's kind heart and sweet smile. 
         Take Care, Betty M.

OBITUARY

Robert W. Thorson

March 9, 1931 – February 8, 2010

Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home & Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park

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