William “Bill” Thornton, 95, of Elkhart Lake, passed away Monday, December 30, 2019. Bill was
born August 3, 1924, in Houston, TX, to the late Martin and Dorothy (Greene) Thornton. He
graduated from Sheboygan Central High School in 1942. Bill served his country in the United
States Army during World War II in the 35 th Infantry Division in the Normandy, Northern France,
Rhineland, Ardennes and Central Europe Campaigns. He was awarded the Bronze Star,
European Theater Service Medal and three Overseas Service Bars. In 1950, he married the
former Marjorie “Marnie” Evans in Green Bay. She preceded him in death in 1984. Bill was the
owner/operator of Evans Rental, in Green Bay, until his retirement in 1987. In 1988, he married
the former Ana Friese in the Town of Wilson.
In addition to his wife, Ana, he is survived by his two sons, Steve (Kathy) Thornton, Naperville, IL
and John (Mary Beth) Thornton, Green Bay; his stepdaughter, Mia (Robert) McMillan,
Plymouth; four grandchildren, Kristin and Matthew Thornton and Maya and Jostin McMillan.
In addition to his parents and wife, Marnie, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Virginia
Rebol and Marjorie “Nancy” Pittner.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, January 6, 2020, at 11:30 a.m. at Grace Episcopal
Church, (1011 North 7th Street, Sheboygan) with Rev. Twomey officiating. Friends may call on
Monday, at the church, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services. Please visit
www.ballhornchapels.com to leave online condolences.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Bill’s name to benefit Veteran’s
organizations.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Cedar Bay Assisted Living
along with Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice for their care.
