Edward “Butch” Thole, Jr.

Edward “Butch” Thole, Jr., died Sunday, November 8, 2015 at the Milbank Area Hospital – Avera Health.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 11, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church in Milbank with Rev. Keith Bicknase officiating. Burial will follow in the Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Odessa, MN. Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 10, at Emanuel Lutheran Church and will continue for one hour prior to the time of service at the church on Wednesday.

Edward Thole was born on June 4, 1951, in Ortonville, MN to Elfern (Krogsrud) and Edward “Butch” Thole, Sr. He graduated from Ortonville High School with the class of 1969. Butch then furthered his education, attending Granite Falls Votech. In 1973, he was united in marriage with Laurie Thole and they had 3 children.

In his younger days, Butch enjoyed playing, and was very successful at, Basketball, Football and Baseball. He was known as “Golden Toe Thole” for his kicking on the football field and was a MVP in all 3 sports. He also enjoyed coaching his younger brothers sport teams, deer hunting on “Pickup Hill” near Odessa with his friends and family, and playing with his grandkids.

Butch was a member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church. He served in the Minnesota National Guard.

Butch’s career was spent working at various elevators, driving bus, and being Bartender at the “Double B Bar” in Odessa. His favorite job was running Butch’s Distributing with his Dad where he enjoyed talking with all the families, business owners, and school cooks. In particular, he brought joy to the people of local hospitals and nursing homes during his deliveries.

Butch is survived by his 3 children: Lee (Krista) Thole of Plymouth, MN, Carrie Thole of Blaine, MN, Dan (Sharon) Thole and their children, Cadence and Carson Thole of Ham Lake, MN; 5 siblings: Rich (Selma) Thole of Perryville, MO, Kathy (Tom) Graham of Odessa, MN, Greg (Kay) Thole of Madison, MN, Julie (Brad) Thymian of Odessa, MN, and Dave (Becky) Thole of Fergus Falls, MN; and several cousins, nieces, nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Thole Sr. and Elfern Thole.

The family of Butch Thole would like to thank the staff of Park Place Assisted Living, Golden Living Center, and hospice and hospital staff at Avera Hospital in Milbank.