Albert Frank Thorrez

THORREZ, ALBERT FRANK

God called Albert to his eternal Home on November 13, 2015. Our most precious father responded with a smile and a song, as he always did when our Lord asked something of him here on earth.

Albert was born on January 31, 1921 in Jackson, MI, the oldest son of Camiel C. and Flavia (Mestdaugh) Thorrez. As the offspring of proud, Belgian immigrants, Albert learned the value of hard work and integrity at an early age.

His education included 12 years in St. John Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools as well as Jackson Technical School. Al graduated in 1939 with the distinction of Treasurer of his class. He went on to attend TriState University in Indiana. Many friends and sweet times later, Al married his beloved, Elizabeth A. Koscielniak. Al and Elizabeth shared 64 years together and were blessed with nine children.

Albert served his country in WWII as a Machinist Mate in the Navy, sweeping the ocean floor for dangerous mines.

Mr. Thorrez was a prodigious industrialist in the Jackson community for eighty years, learning the manufacturing trade from his father, Camiel, for which the company, C. Thorrez Industries, was named. Albert was instrumental in the success of this company as well as the following: Legends Manufacturing, Concord Manufacturing, Stockbridge Manufacturing, Allied Chucker and Engineering, Synchronous Manufacturing, Thorrez and Maes Manufacturing, National Machine and Tool, Quick Industries, Michner Plating, Blue Chip Manufacturing, Jackson Carbide and Tool & Holliday Farms.

As a most dear and loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, Albert's life motto was "Love Jesus and Follow Him", which he illustrated in many different ways. Firstly, through his Catholic faith and love and care of his family. He was also an extremely generous man, given freely of his God-given time and treasure while on earth.

Many, many people in the area recognized Albert's accomplishments. Noteworthy among them, he was the Honoree of the following: Knights of Columbus Outstanding Alumni Award, 2010; St. Joseph Parish Divine Servant Award. Proud member or contributor to YMCA, Boy Scout Troop 424, Camp Teetonkah, Ducks Unlimited, Lumen Christi Catholic Schools, Queen of the Miraculous Medal Church, Our Lady of Fatima Church, St. John Church, St. Mary Church, St. Joseph Church, St. Mary Church - Chelsea, Reverend Austin, Jackson Right to Life, St. Louis Center -Chelsea, Ken Dillon Activity Center, Rotary International, Moose Lodge # 156, Junior Achievement, Life Member of the Republican Party, Polish National Alliance, Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Arbor Hills Country Club, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Interfaith Shelter, Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Catholic Charities of Jackson, Hillsdale and Lenawee Counties, St. Vincent de Paul, St. Joes Home for Boys, Starr Commonwealth, Diocese of Lansing, Hope Clinic International, St. Luke's Clinic and Orchard Lake St. Mary's. In addition to these charities, he helped to establish Jackson Family Fall Festival, Good Shepherd Catholic Radio, Father Coyle Society and Legatus.

Mr. Thorrez was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth; baby daughter, Kathleen; brothers, Morris and Henry; and sister, Marie Michner. He is survived by six sons, Timothy Thorrez of Jackson, David (Bettye) Thorrez of Ann Arbor, Bernard (Mary) Thorrez of Casper, WY, Michael (Elizabeth) Thorrez of Clarklake, Joseph (Kathleen) Thorrez of Clarklake, Albert A. Thorrez (Beth) of Cement City; and two daughters, Marybeth (Howard) Kaak of Jackson, MI and Christine (Patrick) Beach of Santa Barbara, CA. His 24 grandchildren were such a special joy to him: Terese (Thom) Keehan, Carin (Chris) Parsons, Mary (Brian) Gaede, Cathleen (Brian) Stenger, Beth Ann Thorrez, Laura (George) Vidalakis, Amanda (Mark) Tomlinson, Monica (Stephen) Marty, Jody (Marty) Scott, Jennifer (Daniel) Beausoleil, Jessica Logan, Angela (Adam) Cooper, Kevin and Andrew Thorrez, Erin (Carter) Hedrick, Michael, Connor, Brien (Brianne), Joe and Mary Claire Beach, Genevieve and Isabelle Thorrez, Kegan and Clayton Thorrez. He was blessed further in life with the birth of 35 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter who live all over the world and will live out his legacy of caring for others and providing work. Moreover, he significantly touched the lives of many, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends and employees. Special thanks to the loving hands of outstanding caregivers, Angela Cooper, Jenny Carlson, Debbie Gustafson, Kelly Konopacki and Lesley Burrow.

Mr. Thorrez is at the Desnoyer Funeral Home where the family will receive friends on Monday, November 16 from 2:00 to 4:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:00 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Queen of the Miraculous Medal Catholic Church on Tuesday, November 17 at 10:30 AM. Father Timothy MacDonald will be the celebrant at the Mass. The family will also receive friends at the church, prior to the Mass, from 9:45 to 10:30 AM. Interment will take place at St. John's Catholic Cemetery following the Mass.

The family suggests that, instead of sending flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Lumen Christi-Albert and Elizabeth Thorrez Scholarship Fund, Good Shepherd Catholic Radio, Hope Clinic International or any of Mr. Thorrez's charities listed above would be appreciated, as part of caring out his legacy of helping others.

Desnoyer Funeral Home--Family owned for 125 years