Donald Thorndike
November 17, 1939 — May 9, 2017
Donald “Pete” Thorndike, 77, of Silvis, IL, died Tuesday, May 09, 2017, at Country Manor, Davenport, IA.
Per his wishes, cremation rites will take place and a private service will be held. Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Pete was born on November 17, 1939, in Davenport, IA, the son of Norris and Caroline Conner Thorndike. He married Betty McCoy and she preceded him in death. He later married Patricia Beyhl on March 2, 1996, in East Moline, IL. He worked as an assembler for JI Case, retiring in 1994. Later, Pete retired from XPAC in Milan in 2004.
Pete was a member of the New Boston Masonic Lodge and the Oquawka Masonic Lodge. He was a workaholic and never without a job. He worked for several companies including the airport, Target, National Parks Service, and also as a Santa Clause representative. Pete loved music and dancing. He never met a stranger and loved to tell people his “Pete” stories.
Survivors include his wife, Patricia Beyhl; daughter, Angela (Owen) Hollis, Monmouth, IL; step sons, Jeffrey Batten, Las Vegas, NV, and James Batten, Silvis, IL; grandchildren, Beth (Cory) Burgland, Little York, IL; sister, Darlene (Gene) Hoskins, Oquawka, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Norris “Tom” Thorndike, Jack Thorndike, Maxine Feeney, David Thorndike, and Sam Thorndike.
The family wishes to thank Beacon of Hope Hospice and Country Manor in Davenport for their wonderful care.
Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.