"I knew Ethan online, never had the pleasure of meeting him in person. I know I and all of our friends will miss him deeply. We shared years of memories together, memories that have brightened our days and will continue to do so forever. My sincerest condolences to the Thorpe family. I wish you well. "
In loving memory of
Ethan Josef Thorpe
December 13, 1985 - August 22, 2020
Gone too soon, Ethan Josef Thorpe, formerly of Rochester, passed away quietly at his home in Bozeman, Montana on August 23. Born December 13, 1985, Ethan was a witty, intelligent and fun-loving person much loved by his family and friends.
Ethan graduated from Century High School in 2004 and from St. Olaf College in 2008 with a BA in International Studies. He also attended Montana State University preparing for post-graduate studies. While at St. Olaf, he developed a passion for mountain biking and snow boarding, which subsequently led him to Bozeman, Montana with a group of college friends twelve years ago. There, he was employed at US Bank for five years, and then held a position in the business offices of Montana State University.
Ethan loved the outdoors, particularly mountain biking or hiking the trails and mountains around Bozeman. In the winter, he enjoyed snowboarding, snowshoeing and, true to his Norwegian heritage, cross-country skiing. Summer visits to the family cabin near Pelican Rapids, Minnesota marked Ethan's favorite week (or two) of the year spent with family, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Ethan had his grandfather's engineering and puzzle-solving brain, and designed and built his own specialized system for video games. He never met a Lego challenge that he couldn't meet. More than anything, he loved his beloved dog, Addie, whom he adopted eight years ago and was never far from his side.
Ethan was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents and cousins Terry and Alex Shiota. He is survived by his loving parents Erik and Eileen Thorpe of Rochester, Minnesota; sister Erin (Brendan) Venti of San Diego, California; twin brother Evan Thorpe (Karina Swanson and son Brody Swanson) of Kasson, Minnesota; uncle Odin (Connie) Thorpe of Waukesha, Wisconsin; uncle Michael (Jane) Murphy of Englewood, New Jersey; aunt Kathleen (Yoshinobu) Shiota of Owings Mills, Maryland; aunt Jennifer (Fred) Frankenfield of Sterling, Virginia, and eight cousins.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home, Rochester, Minnesota, will conduct an on-line service on Wednesday, September 2 at 2pm CDT. To view the service, go to the Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home Facebook Page, where it will be broadcast via Facebook Live.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Bozeman Health Foundation, a program very dear and important to Ethan. To donate, go to www.bozemanhealth.org, click on "Online Donation" and reference Ethan Thorpe in the 'Honoree/Memorial Name" field. For questions, contact (406) 414-1085 or foundation@bozemanhealth.org.
He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes is honored to be serving the Thorpe family. To leave a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com
Tributes
"Hello to the Thope?s, This is Kathy Barrett. I was Ethan?s teacher at Montessori at Franklin for a short time. I remember the boys from the Packer jersey era. I remember the support I felt from your family with moving here and starting the school. I?m still there. I loved seeing how well he spent his life. Love to all of you."
"Erik, My deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family. Bruce Remme "
"I only met Ethan a couple of times, but I found him to be such a kind and good young man - caring and compassionate. I am Dan Nemcek?s Godmother. Dan and Ethan were very dear friends. Our heartfelt sympathies. May you find peace and consolation in this most difficult time. "
"Erik, Eileen, Evan, I am greatly saddened to hear of the loss of Ethan. I can see by all the photos, that Ethan enjoyed many hobbies and activities. You all are in my thoughts and prayers for somehow finding some peace in remembering all the good times. your friend, Bob Hoel"
"Erik and Eileen, Jennifer and I want to express our deepest condolences. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. (Richard and Jennifer Baker-Ross) "
"We are sorry for your loss, you are in our thoughts and prayers Mark & Kelly Theuner"
"Erik, Eileen and family, I am so deeply saddened to hear this news of Ethan?s passing. Our boys had fun times in youth hockey many years ago. There are no words to express our deepest sympathies upon your family during this deep and painful loss. Gone way to soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Balloy family (Renee and Erik)"
"Erik, Eileen and family, it is with a very heart that we extend our heartfelt sympathies to you. Our son Daniel, who passed away in 2008, was a dear friend, classmate at St. Olaf and a roommate of Ethan?s. They moved to Bozeman together to enjoy the great outdoors. I believe they both got jobs at the same bank as well as they began their new adventures in Bozeman. We believe our two boys are together again in their new life. During the difficult journey of grief, please know that we are holding your family up in prayer. We remember Ethan as a kind, humble, smart young man. May God?s grace be upon you during this time of deep sadness. Sandy and Gary Nemcek"
"Such a kind soul, always. In neighborhood games, bus rides, or walking the halls at school, Ethan could always be counted on for a genuine smile and nod hello. I am so saddened for you all and everyone who loved him. He was a truly wonderful person. Emily (Wright) Contreras"
"So sorry to hear this Eric. Praying for you and your family. Jim Diephuis"
"Eileen, Eric and family, we were so incredibly sad to hear this news. Let your wonderful memories of Ethan keep him with you, and all of us, bringing at least a little peace and comfort. Elaine and Bill..."
"I remember growing up and playing tag and ?ships across the ocean? in Ethan?s back yard. He is gone too soon. I am sorry for your loss and I hope you can find peace in your memories. Julia Suparat (Trachy)"
"Our hearts have been heavy ever since we heard the news of Ethans passing. If walls could talk your basement would be talking for days about all the fun times and memories shared over lunch hours and after high school games. Thank you for sharing Ethan and your home with us. Ethans smile and spirit will be forever remembered. Sending our love. Matt and Vickie Haugen. "
"What a sad day for your family! I remember both Ethan & Evan in the halls at RMS all those years ago! Blessings for you! Fondly, Becky Booth"