Robert Thrall

Robert Arnold Thrall Sr., age 80, of Woodruff, passed away on March 28, 2012 at Seasons of Life Hospice House. He was born on April 12, 1931 on his grandfather's Rux Road farm and attended Arbor Vitae School. Entering the U.S. Army, at the age of 17 he served from 1948 to 1952. He completed his training with HQ and Service Co 982nd engineering construction battalion at Camp Carson Colorado. Also attended engineering school at Fort Belvoir, Virginia to become a dozer operator. Upon completion of his training he then went to Okinawa, Japan. Upon returning to the U.S., he met and married Louise Kujawa in 1955 and four children were born to the marriage. He worked along side his father at Thrall's Boat and Canoe Shop building handcrafted boats and canoes for over 30 years until his father's death. In 1980, he opened and operated Bob Thrall Marine, hiring his son Bob Jr. and long time friend Virgil Blaisdell. He lost his wife Louise of 28 years to cancer in 1983. As the business continued to grow Bob was in need of a secretary and hired Sandy von Trott in 1984. In 1986 Bob decided to leave the marine business. However, Bob and Sandy's relationship continued to grow into a companionship of 28 years. He then opened Bob Thrall Services, doing carpentry, snow plowing and other odd jobs. Customers and friends then started calling him Odd Job Bob. As the business continued to grow, he hired his oldest son Bob Jr. who continued to work by his side until he retired in 2011 at the age of 80. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Helen (nee Kilduff) Thrall; brother, Thomas G. Thrall; sister, Helen Becker; nephew, Steven Thrall; wife, Louise (Kujawa) Thrall and daughter-in-law, Katie Steinberger-Thrall. He is survived by his children, Robert A. Thrall Jr., Thomas W. Thrall (Sharon), Mary L. Spatz (Edward) and William M. Thrall; grandchildren, Shannon Lancaster (Seth), Sonya Vargas (Jose'); great-grandchildren, Paige, McKenzie, Victoria, Elijah, Jackson and Sorena and brother, Edward L. Thrall (Carolyn). Further survived by his Companion, Sandra von Trott and her children, Virginia Tyler and Lorraine Mac Laughlin (Michael); and her grandson, Jesse and granddaughter, Kelly. Bob is also survived by many other relatives. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff, with visitation beginning at 9:00 AM until the time of service at the church. Burial will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Woodruff, with full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Seasons of Life Hospice House, P.O. Box 770, Woodruff ,WI 54568.

Robert Thrall

April 12, 1931 - March 28, 2012