Paul H. Thorne, age 80, a resident of Elburn, and formerly a longtime resident of Wheaton, IL, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, August 3, 2022.  He was born September 7, 1941 in Reedsburg, WI, to William and Marion Thorne, the third of ten children.

When Paul was young the family moved to Wheaton where he attended the Wheaton public schools and developed a bit of a reputation as a prankster. Due to one prank too many, his father enlisted him in the United States Air Force at age 17. He served as a medic from 1958 until 1962 and was stationed in Texas, as well as Turkey for two years. After his military service he moved back home and began working for his father's business, Thorne Electric in Wheaton.  He worked there for several years until his dad encouraged him to go out and work for others and gain more experience. He did just that and worked as an electrician, a foreman and an estimator for several electrical contractors until he returned and took over the management of Thorne Electric, Inc. in 1984. His dad's dream was for all six of his boys to work for the company. Paul was instrumental in making that dream a reality. The brothers worked together to build the company into its present form. He remained at the helm for 20+ years until retirement.

He met the love of his life, Lolita Lazarowicz, at a close friend's wedding in 1964. Once he set his sights on her, she didn't stand a chance. They married on April 23, 1966, bought a house in Wheaton, and started their family soon after. In 1977 they decided they were ready for a more country setting and they packed up their two daughters, Shelly and Julie, and moved out to Elburn. After settling into the community, Paul became active in the Masons and the Shrine. He was a 40 year member of Blackberry Lodge #359 Masonic Center in Elburn, with a dual membership in Batavia Masonic Lodge #404. Paul was also a Shriner through Tebala Temple in Rockford, active in the Fox Valley Shrine Club, and a member of the Royal Order of Jesters.

Paul enjoyed hunting, fishing and target shooting with his friends. He went on many a fishing trip in the states and in Canada and had plenty of stories to prove it. He was also a car enthusiast, and spent a lot of time buying and restoring classic cars and street rods with the help of his friends and his grandson. In addition, Paul had his private pilot's license. That was a passion he decided to pursue shortly after moving out to Elburn. He enjoyed it so much that he went on to take aerobatic flying lessons, and he purchased a plane with a close friend, which they owned together for several years. Most of all Paul loved his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. They were his pride and joy. He was always eager to spend time with his family and had a garage full of toys for his grandchildren, and sons-in-law to ride when they came out to visit. As the oldest son, he looked after his extended family and was quick to offer and provide help or support where needed.

He is survived by his wife, Lolita Thorne, two daughters, Shelly (Tim Ward) Thorne and Julie (Lee) Felski, two grandchildren, Alex and Elena Felski, six siblings, Roberta, Dave, Mike, John, Ken and Linda and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Judy and Mary and his brother, Tim.

A memorial service will be held at Lord of Life Church, 40W605 Rt. 38, Elburn, IL on Saturday, August 27th. Visitation at 10:00 AM and service at 11:00 AM with luncheon immediately following. Paul's favorite color was red. Please feel free to wear something red to his memorial if you're willing and able.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to Shriners Hospitals for Children .