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<em>Kenneth R. Thronson</em> was born in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin on 18 February 1956, the son of Robert and Joan Thronson. He attended grammar school and high school in South Milwaukee where he excelled not only as a scholar, but was one of the city’s most prolific athletes. Among his most significant achievements in high school was his selection as team captain for the football team, basketball team and golf team, all during his senior year. He was also honored as Athlete of the Year in his senior year.</p>
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Upon entering West Point in 1974, Ken focused his athletic efforts on golf and was a varsity letterman all four years. His proudest accomplishment was leading the team to the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championship in his first class year, which is indicative of his reputation as an absolute team player. As an individual, he tied the West Point course record of 70 in competition, which he co-held until 1977. In addition to his athletic efforts, he was a talented, natural leader and served as a cadet company commander before graduating in 1978. He was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps and attended the Basic Course at Fort Lee, Virginia.</p>
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In his first duty assignment at Fort Hood, Texas, Ken led an 87-member Repair Parts Platoon in general support of III Corps. He was quickly elevated to company operations officer and while still a second lieutenant, to battalion staff in 1980. At each level, Ken's leadership caused significant improvements by increasing efficiency and developing new procedures; he quickly earned the reputation of a standout among his peers. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal in April 1981 for exceptionally meritorious service as officer-in-charge of the III Corps marshalling area during a readiness exercise. In September of that same year, as a first lieutenant, he took command of the 62nd Supply and Service Company. In command of the 208-member unit, Ken excelled in every category and developed the company into a first-class support operation and a fully combat-ready unit.</p>
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Captain Thronson chose to resign from the Army in April and began a new career with the Mobil Chemical Company, based in Nashua, New Hampshire. In just a short time, Ken's record for achievement emerged as a sales representative for Mobil. In only nine months with the large company, he was the sales leader for the Northeast and named Rookie-of-the-Year at the company’s annual convention in February 1984.</p>
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On 8 April 1984, in the peak of success, Ken’s life was tragically taken in an automobile accident in Merrimac, New Hampshire, when an intoxicated driver lost control of his car and struck Ken’s automobile without warning. Ken’s fiancée Diane Babineau of Nashua, New Hampshire was also seriously injured in the accident but now is fully recovered.</p>
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Ken Thronson was more than a friend, he was a source of inspiration. He was more than a leader, he was a trendsetter, who chose to go further and be better than those before him. Whether as a cadet, soldier, or civilian, Ken was a winner, and his loss is deeply felt by his parents, his many friends and loved ones who came to admire him so.</p>
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The Thronson family is grateful to Kevin Hayes of Dallas, Texas for his help in preparing this obituary, as well as for the eulogy given by Kevin at the church service. Ken's funeral was at St. Mary's Catholic Church in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin on 13 April 1984. Entombment is at Forest Hill Memorial Park, Oak Creek, Wisconsin.</p>
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Ken is survived by his parents, Robert and Joan Thronson, South Milwaukee; his sister, Kathi Stoiber, her husband William; and one nephew, Robert Stoiber, all of Waukesha, Wisconsin; and other relatives and friends.</p>