Rene O. Thune, 97, of Bloomington, formerly of Kenyon, passed away on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 at Amira Choice.

He was born January 3, 1926 in Kenyon, Minnesota to Enoch and Evelyn (Nesseth) Thune. Rene grew up in Kenyon. During his younger years growing up, he worked at the Kenyon Canning Factory testing corn. Rene also worked for his father as a projectionist at the Kenyon Theater. Rene was a member of the 1944 Kenyon High School graduating class. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy, completing basic training in Idaho before going to Sonar School in San Diego, California. After completion of school, he would enroll into the University of Utah for their V-12 Navy College Training Program for one year. After World War II, he was honorably discharged from the Navy. He then continued his college education transferring to the University of Minnesota where he graduated in 1953 with a degree in Industrial Engineering. Rene met Shirley St. Martin at the Prom Ballroom in Minneapolis while attending college. They were united in marriage on September 3rd, 1953 in Faribault. They both were avid Big Band enthusiasts and ballroom dancers. Dancing with one another provided much happiness and enjoyment throughout their lives.

Rene was proud of his Norwegian descent. If you knew Rene you, would know that he liked to say "Uff da." He created a tradition on Christmas Eve reading the WCCO's Boone and Erickson's, "Lutefisk Lamont." Rene devoted much of his life to his love of aviation. He piloted private planes solo and with family and friends whenever he could arrange to do so. In 2007, he received the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award after 50 years as a private pilot. Rene was also involved in the Shriners and Masons over the years. He is survived by his wife Shirley Thune of Bloomington; son, Mark (and Susan) Thune of Fontana, WI; daughter, Susan (and Jim) Tack of Bloomington; 5 grandchildren: Rian Thune, Stephen Thune, Stephanie (and Tyler) IIllikainen, Lauren (and Patrick) Caruso and Sarah Thune; 4 great-grandchildren: Dylan Caruso, James Illikainen, Murphy Caruso and Ingrid Illikainen; sister Gail (and Gene) Marklevits, and niece Nancy Whitworth of Sault Ste. Marie, MI.

He was preceded in death by his parents Enoch and Evelyn Thune; son Thomas Evans and brother, Thomas Thune.

Funeral Services will be at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Kenyon on Wednesday, May 31st, 2023 at 11:30AM with a visitation starting at 10:30AM. Pastor Julie Rogness will be officiating. Interment will be in the Kenyon Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the American Cancer Society.