Leo Thorsness Obituary

I bless Col. Thorsness for his service to us all and I'm praying that St. Martin of Tours has prepared a place at the Heavenly Table for him. Col. Thorsness, like St. Martin, offered us a bright and shining example of selfless courage.

Thanks for your service.

I had the honor of meeting this American hero a few years back at an event in Birmingham, Alabama. I am thankful that men of this caliber served and fought for the freedoms we often take for granted in this day. As an Air Force flyer who proudly served for nearly 38 years, I stand in awe of the character and bravery of this amazing warrior. Rest in peace, Sir!! God bless your family. See you on the other side!!
Dr. James E. Martin

I have just finished reading his memoir book, 'Surviving Hell,'. What a brave, resilient, gifted and lovely man.

I attended a Medal of Honor teacher work shot a few years ago (2011). The only reason being I got a free day off from school. At some point, I became disinterested and decided to leave. Making it almost to my car, a colleague suggested that I stay and reluctantly went back in. As we approached the end, the facilitator ask us if we would write down some questions that we might ask to a Medal of Honor recipient. I knew that this was to be a round table discussion with fellow teachers to brainstorm with our students at school the next day. When we were finished we were asked to stand and thinking were about to be done for the day early, in walked Leo Thorsness. This was absolutely the highlight of my career. I had played in a final four, coached state champions, among other achievements and having almost miss it was an indescribable surreal experience. I was so honored to meet and speak at length with Mr. Thorsness is something I've never forgotten. I have a note that he wrote my children that hung on my fridge encouraging them to be courageous in all that they endeavor. At the end of the note it said. GBWY. Fly high sir. You earned your wings.

R.Johnson
Chelsea Al

I had the pleasure of meeting Col. Thorsness twice, both times at Smith Barney / Morgan Stanley events where Col. Thorsness spoke to our clients. He was a special man, and will be missed by many. Condolences to his family and friends.

Just today heard of Leo's death in May. I knew he'd been in ill health for some time. We served together on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Commission in CA. He often spoke of his time as a POW. He's with Unit Everlasting!
My best to Gaylee and family.
Greg Green, Vietnam 68-70

Leo Thorsness was a great guy/good person. I felt lucky when I met him at a lunch one afternoon 5 years ago. Gaylee watched-out for Leo's best interest. Leo was an altruistic, kind, supportive person who was confident/supported to live life by 'following his heart'!

All a person does may be forgotten by most or never known. May you find comfort in knowing Leo is in the Almighty God's memory.

Dear Gaylee and Dawn,

Just heard from a mutual friend about Leo's "going home" day a few weeks ago. I have many sweet memories of our times together in Seattle. No words adequate enough to express my admiration for what all of you have been through - so strong together. I share your faith in Christ to comfort you in this sad time.

With love,
Charlotte French
Georgetown, TX

May your family stay strong through this time and may God bless you for your service I was stationed with you at spangdahlem airbase Germany in the early 60s although I was just an airman second class you treated me with great respect as I treated you I was your driver at the 9th tac fighter squadron that was so very long ago I felt that you would do great things in the future it was an honor to have known you please Lord bless this family

Always sad to lose a great American. RIP Colonel.

I am very sorry to the friends and family for the loss. Soon, thete will come a time when we will see all of our loved ones again. Ps 37:9-11

A true American Hero! I remember when Gaylee and Leo visited in when I was in the hospital recovering from replacement knee surgery. As luck would have it my boss at the time , a retired USAF two-star general had also come to see me when the Thorness's stopped. It was a special moment, and one this 24-year USAF Veteran will remember for a lifetime! Rest in Peace, Sir! May God Bless Gaylee and the Thorsness Family.

R.C. Reville, Lt Col, USAF Ret.

. I was a senior in high school when Mr Thorness was released from being a POW. I was at the Watertown Airport for a gathering to honor him. My sympathy to his family.

My sincere condolences to the Thorsness family and friends at this difficult time. May the God of all peace bring comfort to the family.

Condolences to the family and friends during this time of grief.

The time is near when Jesus' promise at John:28,29 will be fulfilled.

HYou deserve all the praise there can be .Being held prisoner I feel you have been to hell and back God Bless You Forever.Fly with the Angels to God.Sympathy to All.MaryAnnRulliLeo...

Please accept my condolences on the loss of Mr. Thorsness. My prayers are with the family.

Dear Gaylee and Dawn,
My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of Leo. Our Country has lost a Hero, and the Van Huss family has lost a friend. Rest in peace, Leo.
With Sympathy,
Nancy Van Huss
Cary, Illinois

Thank you for your service.. You and your family.. RIP

Dawn and family. My condolences. Your father was a true patriot. I know how proud you were of his service to our country. I am so sorry for your loss. Bruce Lund , Sioux Falls, s. D.

Dear Gaylee & Dawn,
Our family sends sincere love & condolences to you & your family. Leo & my dad, Pete Van Huss, shared many wonderful years together during their Air Force careers. I cherish childhood memories of the good times we spent together in Germany, Omaha etc. I'll never forget Leo's sense of humor. May our true friend & hero, Leo, rest in peace. Our hearts & prayers are with you during this difficult time.
With love,
Judy Hawker & Marilyn Van Huss (my mom)

A Squadron mate with Leo at Spangdahelem, Germany, he was a flight leader, an exceptional pilot and everyone knew he was destined for great things. We met again a few years ago at the F-105 Dedication Ceremony outside Little Rock AFB, Arkansas and we spoke of old times. I pray for him and his family in their hour of sorrow. Joe Flaherty, Msgt, USAF (ret)

So sorry for your loss. May Gods tender mercies comfort,and give you strength to endure this difficult time.

Thank you for your service ~ Rest in peace.

To The Family Of Leo Thorsness
My condolences to the family on the loss of your dear beloved one. May the God of all comfort,comfort you and grant you peace now and in the days ahead.

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice for our country. May God bless your soul.

Thank, Colonel, you for all you've done for our country, whether as a sky soldier or a civilian. You represent what makes America great. May Our Lord bless you and your family now and always. Have a wonderful reunion with your loved ones and the warriors who've awaited your arrival in Heaven.

Thank you for your service, Rest in peace.

Thank You Col for your service and sacrifice for our country. RIP, Blue Skies forever. A Vietnam Vet remembers you.
SMSgt Larry Rengstorf, USAF, Ret

CHECK 6, LEO, because I hope I will be going where you are now!! Green Four

Leo, the hours I spent on your wing over 4 years (peace time) were some of the best of my life. It was a blessing to have worked for you for those years and to have you and Gaylee as best friends. You are the best of America! GBU Tom Maher (and Marilyn)

Gaylee,
We all have lost a Gentleman and Hero!
The short period I had with you and Leo at Wings Over Houston as your escort will always be a special part of my life.
I think Leo enjoyed climbing in the Migs!
Thank you for sharing Leo with us!

God Bless,
Col Hugh Alexander III

My heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Mr. Leo Thorsness during this difficult time in your lives. I hope that the promise at 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring the family a measure of comfort. Knowing that there is future for the one's that we have loss in death can be reassuring.

My condolences to Leo's family & friends. I sat next to Leo & his wife at the Salute to Heroes Inaugural Ball this year. I was not aware of his accomplishments in life because he spoke only of how his wife & family were the real heroes. He was a very humble man with a good sense of humor. RIP SIR

Rest in peace warrior

Rest in Peace

Dear family and friends, Our thoughts and prayers to all of you, and may Col Thorsness Rest in Peace. Blessings to all of you.

A true American hero and patriot. His Arizona friends salute him and his family. God bless them all.

Dear Family and Friends,we
extend our sympathy to you.
May our Lord and Savior
give you comfort and
peace in your hearts today and the days ahead.
The Hall Family,S.C.

Please except my condolences for your loss. May you rest in peace.

I met you last year in Florida, you were campaigning for Jeb Bush. He is the son of a president and the brother of another president. Thank you for your inspiration and for your dedication to our country. I know the medal you wear was earned with your blood and guts and valor above the call of duty. God Bless You Always! Rest in Peace forever and ever.

The loss of a loved one can be hard. Please have comfort in God 's love.

My condolences to the Thorsness Family and friends for your loss of Leo. May you continue to be blessed with his memory and legacy and may your hearts be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times you shared together as you celebrate a life well lived and loved by many (Daniel 12:13) ~ Linda, Queens, NY

Amazing story,Amazing life,Amazing man and may he always have "Amazing Grace" as he heads to eternal peace. Bravery,honor,dedication,loyalty and love of country is what this man was all about. May you now rest with your brothers in arms who have gone on before you. Thank you for your service to our nation and protecting us.
A grateful American

I met you in New Hampshire last year campaigning for Jeb Bush. May you rest in peace our American hero.

Rest in peace Leo. Thank you for trusting me as your campaign manager in Washington state for your U.S.Senate. campaign in the early 90s. We ran a grass roots campaign and almost won. You were great. A man of character and loyalty. The Senate's loss for sure.

Thank you sir for your service.
from a Vietnam vet

To look at this photo , the Medal of Honor around his neck..
is to see what it is to be a man of great
and true bearing.
Thank you Colonel Thorsness,
Job & Life well done. Jeff, Selma Alabama

God Bless You, Leo. Valhalla has gained at the expense of this world but you are where great men and women reside after this life. You were a great man, a great husband to Gaylee, a great father, a great friend, a great speaker and a great Christian. Besides those things that know you were the most proud of and wanted to be known for the most, you were a phenomenal aviator and a brave warrior who unfailingly put the lives of his brothers and sisters in uniform ahead of his own. Greater love hath no man...,,
I am the better for having known you well. Yes, I still have my " funny looking truck" but I'm sorry you only rode in it a few times and even sorrier I never got to shoot feral pigs with a crossbow with you. God I'm sorry to see you go but I'm so grateful to God that I met you and was able to call you Friend. Godspeed, Sir and as you always closed with, TAILWINDS.

My sincere condolence to Leo's family. I am so grateful he was a part of my son's life over the past ten years. He was a role model and friend to him and Jay loves him dearly. Thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful man.

Special thanks to Colonel Thorsness for protecting my father, Colonel Thomas James Sterling USAF as he descended into North Vietnam by parachute when his F105 was hit and disabled and he was ordered to eject by his pilot Tom Madison. Colonel Thorsness stayed onsite to radio Dad's position for possible rescue Endangering himself and his EWO. Dad was not killed as he floated to the ground and was able to return to our family 6 yrs later after captivity We need more heros like Colonel Thorsness !! Thanks again for your bravery ! Melissa Sterling Oliver. I will be forever grateful for your actions !

Leo has been an inspiration to so many of us. He was a humble hero, inspirational leader, loving man, honorable warrior, consummate patriot, who strived to do what was right. It was my honor to know, serve, and spend time with Leo and Gaylee over the years. GBU....Tom

Walnut Grove MN has been honored to be your home town, and will continue to share your story. Our prayers and thoughts go out to Gaylee and Family. It was an honor to hear you speak in Walnut Grove last year, something I and the students of Walnut Grove/Westbrook School will never forget.

I had the honor of knowing you. A true American hero! Rest In Peace.

Hand salute to a great American. Rest in peace, Sir. Respect from a fellow Viet Nam vet.

I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Colonel Leo Thorsness at Dover AFB approximately seventeen years ago. He was very "down to earth" and shared his experiences in Vietnam. I thoroughly enjoyed our visit and was "blessed" to have shared a few minutes with this American Hero!

Jimmy Mallory, Berlin MD

My deepest Condolence to the family of Leo Thorsness you find comfort in knowing that others shares your sorrow with you. Take Comfort in knowing that God keeps those who dies in his memory for they are precious in his eyes. Psalm 116:15

RIP Sir!

God speed sir.

The River Rats

We were in different squadrons, but I was honored to fly with Leo at Takhli. Then we met again, with his lovely wife Gaylee, at the Gathering of Eagles. He was one of the best as a pilot, a leader, and a man. God bless him and his family.

To the family:
May you find comfort from God's word, prayer, family and friends.
My husband served in that war.

God bless you and thank you for your service for our country and freedom! Fly high and rest peacefully.

Our prayers go out to the family and friends of Leo Thorsness. Cherish the many memories you had together and may the love of family and friends comfort you as well. May God Almighty give you strength, courage but most of all peace in the difficult days ahead. I Cornithians 1:3,4

VH-IL

I'm so sorry for your loss . May the God of all comfort hear your cry and rescue you with comfort and peace. (Psalms145:18,19)

RIP Sir...American hero.

Thanks for your service Airman and
Fellow Vietnam Vet !!!!
Wayne Williams
United States Marine Corps

Thank you for your dedicated service and a life well lived. RIP.

S L O W Hand Salute

R I P you earned it. I wish I could have met you.

Thank you for your service sir. God bless your soul

God Speed from one Vietnam Vet to another. Presidents should bow in your honor sir. That is how much respect the Medal of Honor should convey. Your accomplishments in this life were special. RIP

Sorry for your loss. God promises to bring death to an end at Revalations 21:3-4.

I am also a Vietnam Veteran and even though I was never a POW I experienced one of the worst conflicts this country has ever known. Hopefully, something like this will never happen again. You served this country proudly and did your duty and did it well. As with all veterans, thank you for your service. You now are at peace.

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of Leo. Rest assured life is precious to our Creator. He promises to act in our behalf.
1 Corinthians 15:26

Thank you for your service. RIP Colonel, you've earned it.

My condolences to the family. May God grant you peace to cope with your loss Phillippians 4:6,7.

Condolences to the family.

Thank you for your service, may you Rest in Peace.

Ecclesiastes 7:1 A good name* is better than good oil,and the day of death is better than the day of birth

God bless you Sir as you slip the surely bonds of Earth, to your Heavenly Home.

Bless You and Thank You Colonel for the
remarkable courage and dedication displayed
while serving our Country.

Thank you for your service

You now touch the clouds. RIP AND BLESS ALL WHO MISS YOU SIR,

Thank you for your service! Rest in peace soldier! ♡

Yes I remember Leo.I was with the 355TFW IN 1967.A well respected pilot and friend to our squadron.Many condolences to family and
friends. [ Former SSGT James M. Pennell ]

It is every American's loss and I am so sorry for your loss. My family and I appreciate Colonel Thorsness' service and sacrifice for our country. I did not know he lived in St. Augustine, my home town. A hero, a patriot, an American. Never forgotten.

THANK U...THANK U...THANK U......A TRUE WAR HERO.......WE ARE HERE LIVING OUR LIVES FREELY BECAUSE OF ONE'S COURAGE and BRAVERY......PRAYERS and BLESSINGS

Rest Leo, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.

Thank you for your service to this nation.

Rest In Peace, Colonel Leo G. Thorsness. I wore a POW bracelet with your name on it when I was in college and thought about you so many times. I remember when you came off that plane when you got back home. My Dad stayed up late with me so we could both see you. Thank you for your service and your bravery. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends.

I thank this U.S. Air Force Veteran for his service to his country during the Vietnam War and the Cold War when America and Freedom needed him. "At Ease," Leo Thorsness...And May you REST IN PEACE in the Kingdom of the Prince of Peace.

May God Bless Leo Thorsness and every member of his Family. Why should we thank, honor, and remember Leo and every Veteran from America's past and present Wars? BECAUSE THEY LET COURAGE DO THEIR TALKING, WE ARE FREE TO SPEAK OUR MINDS. BECAUSE THEY FOUGHT AGAINST TYRANNY, WE ARE FREE TO WORSHIP AS WE PLEASE. BECAUSE THEY GAVE UP THE COMFORTS OF HOME, WE ARE FREE FROM WANT. BECAUSE THEY PUT THEMSELVES IN HARM'S WAY, WE ARE FREE TO LIVE WITHOUT FEAR. America, the Land of the Free...BECAUSE of the Brave!

A true patriot and American hero. Godspeed.