Wayne "Pete" J. Thomforde, 87, of Goodhue, died on Sunday, December 25, 2011, at Mayo Health System-Lake City Hospital. Wayne was born September 23, 1924, in Belvidere Township, the son of Henry W. and Anna (Dahling) Thomforde. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school. On September 30, 1950, he married Gweneth Kolberg at United Lutheran Church in Red Wing. Gweneth died on December 25, 2010, at the Lake City Care Center. Wayne raised his family on the family farm where he was born and enjoyed showing his grandchildren and great-grandchildren all about the farm and taking them on tractor rides. He was a lifelong member of St. Peter's Lutheran Church-Belvidere. He was also a member of the Bellechester Creamery Board and Goodhue Lions Club. Wayne enjoyed traveling with his wife, 500 card club, bowling, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and hosting Christmas Eve at the farm for his family.
He is survived by his seven children; Jayne Buck of Denver, Colorado, Henry (Kathy) Thomforde of Goodhue, Paul (Karen) Thomforde of Phoenix, Arizona, Kevin (Madonna) Thomforde, Gail (Dale) Dicke and Craig (LaVonne) Thomforde, all of Goodhue, and Karl (Deb) Thomforde of Northfield; 26 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; sister Lorraine (Bob) Gieseke of Truman, Minnesota; sister-in-law Norma Thomforde of Goodhue; nieces and nephews; brother-in-law James (Joyce) Kolberg of Granada Hills, California; sisters-in-law Dorothy Jagusch of Red Wing, Pat (Jerry) Borgen of Red Wing, Sue (Merl) Hokenstrom of Winona, Sandra Thompson of Collegeville, Pennsylvania, and Marion Kolberg of Red Wing.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Gweneth, parents, brothers, Harvey and Dellas, and sisters, Marjorie and Ilice.
Funeral will be 1 p.m. Thursday, December 29, 2011, at St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Belvidere, with Reverend Scott Fiege officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 28, 2011, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and at the church one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the donor's choice.