Robert E. Thoen, 74
Robert E. Thoen, 74, of Blooming Prairie, died on June 14, 2009 at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna. 
He was born Oct. 27, 1934 to Truman and Evelyn (Dahlby) Thoen in Kensett, Iowa where he grew up. He married Elaine J. Bendickson on Oct. 26, 1952 in Hanlontown, Iowa. They moved to Blooming Prairie in 1958. He was a farmer his entire life, as well as a seed and chemical dealer. Robert loved going to auctions and flea markets, taking coffee breaks with his sons and friends and traveling back to Iowa and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include three sons, Mark (Karen) Thoen, Blooming Prairie, Linn (Shirley) Thoen, Blooming Prairie, Todd (Patsy) Thoen, Waltham; very special friend of more than 20 years, Charlotte Cobeen, Blooming Prairie; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; brother, Darrell Thoen, Waltham; sisters, Virginia (LaVerne) Kehret, Austin, VaLois Thoen, Austin; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 
He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Elaine.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastor Heidi Heimgartner officiating. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m., Tuesday at Worlein-Blooming Prairie Funeral Home and at the church one hour prior to the service. Interment is at First Lutheran Cemetery, Blooming Prairie. The family prefers memorials to Owatonna Homestead Hospice or the American Cancer Society or First Lutheran Church, Blooming Prairie.