Obituary of Arthur L. Thorstenson

Arthur "Pete" L. Thorstenson, 87, of 148 Frederick Blvd., West Ellicott, passed away Saturday April 9, 2016 in WCA Hospital. He was born April 25, 1928 in Jamestown the son of the late Thorsten E. and Greta Broman Thorstenson. He attended Jamestown High School and Jamestown Business College. He served in the National Guard from 1947 to 1954. Before retiring he was a journeyman machinist at Marlin Rockwell SKF for many years where he served as a union steward and was active in fund raising for the United Way. His many involvements include being a recording secretary for Central & Western NY Skilled Trades of the UAW, a member of the Allegheny Council on Safety & Health and a chairman for a period of time, and a member of the Jamestown AFL/CIO Central Labor Council where he was a trustee for many years. He orchestrated a fund raiser for Hope Lodge in Buffalo where he received an award for this and his other Labor activities. Pete was always active in the Lutheran church. He was confirmed in First Lutheran Church. For several years he was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church serving on the church council, as a Sunday school teacher, an usher and was active in the synod for many years. Currently he was a member of Bethel Lutheran Church where he volunteered in the food pantry. In earlier years, he and his family enjoyed camping, and he volunteered many hours at Lake Chautauqua Lutheran Camp. He was proud of his Swedish heritage, making two trips to Sweden to meet family and to test out his Swedish language skills. He enjoyed socializing with family, friends and neighbors and always was ready for coffee and conversation. He also took great pride in being a blood donor and his final gift was donating to Upstate New York Transplant Services (UNYTS). Pete is survived by a son Barry (Betsy) Thorstenson of Ridgway, PA, a daughter Deborah (Philip) Brown of Jamestown, a stepdaughter Sileste (Bruce) Overton-Roy of Mansfield, TX, a granddaughter Heather Lynn (Wilber) Cronk of Ridgway, PA, a step-grandson Jon (Heather) Stroud of Mansfield, TX, three great-grand children Gideon, Caedmon, Cecily Cronk of Ridgway, two step-great grandchildren Skyler and Benjamin Stroud of TX, a sister Betty Mecusker of Jamestown, his first wife Beverly Thorstenson of Jamestown, several nieces and nephews, and his beloved dog Chardonnay. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen Benson Thorstenson. A memorial service will be held at a later date and will be announced by the Lind Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association of WNY, 2805 Wehrle Dr., Ste 6, Buffalo, NY 14221-7380 or the American Cancer Society, 101 John James Audubon Pkwy., Amherst, NY 14228-1198.