Thorkil Winther passed peacefully Saturday October 6th, 2018, at the Danish Home of Chicago, surrounded by his immediate family. Thorkil would have been 90 years old October 22nd, and was grateful for having lived a long, fulfilling life – most proud of having married ‘the woman of his dreams’, nee Ingrid Salvesen, and for raising ‘three beautiful daughters’ – Tina, Sonja and Linda.
Thorkil was born in Aarhus, Denmark, to Clara and Boye Winther, and had an elder sister, Inge, who preceded him in death in 2012. Thorkil was always interested in how things worked. As a young man, he sought adventure as an Officer’s cabin boy on a merchant marine vessel, sailing with ØK to the Far East. He later studied to become a mechanical engineer at Odense Techical College and, after working in Aarhus for a few years, answered a newspaper ad for a job in the United States. Thorkil was intrigued by big band jazz music, innovative designs and new materials he had encountered after the war that were ‘made in the USA’.
He sought out fellow Danes once in Chicago, through which he soon met and then married his beloved Norwegian wife, Ingrid, in 1959. After ten years at Automatic Electric as a telephony engineer, instead of transferring with the company to Tennessee, Thorkil joined Ingrid to support her growing Physical Therapy practice, handling office administration and operations. He was responsible for the acquisition and operation of the latest technology used in their clinic; assisting in every way from doing the laundry to designing and patenting hot-pack covers, to transporting patients to and from appointments and explaining and administering electric muscle stimulation. Together, they helped hundreds of patients in over forty years of private practice in Countryside.
Thorkil was a devoted father who was actively involved in raising his three daughters. After years of driving them to school, friends‘ and extra-curricular activities, he taught them how to drive “like a man”, to always ‘be practical’ and to help out around the house and around the business: filling in in the office or assisting in the clinic on the occasion when he was away. He supported his daughters’ education and travels generously.
Thorkil was also an active member of Chicagoland’s Danish and broader Scandinavian community: the Danish Junior League, the Danish-American Athletic Club, Danish Brotherhood Lodge #17, Danish Old Settlers, Sons of Norway, Bjornson Male Chorus and Torskeklubben. President of Dania Society for 10 years, and that of the Danish National Committee for several more, Thorkil’s legacy as a proud Dane in America now lives on in his children who speak Danish and maintain close ties with friends and family abroad; and his grandchildren, the eldest of which (Sebastian) is currently studying in Denmark for a year. Thorkil is survived by his three daughters, and four grandchildren – Sebastian (’00), Anna Sophia (‘02), Espen (’03) and Zephyr (‘07).
He will be remembered for his love of Scandinavian history, his radios, his cars, his silly sense of humor, unconventional wisdom, critical thinking, and most of all for his helpful and loving ways.
A memorial service will be held October 28th at 2pm at THE DANISH HOME, 5656 N. Newcastle Ave, Chicago, IL 60631 (tel. 773.775.7383). In lieu of flowers, donations are most welcome to The Danish Home of Chicago via their website (www.danishhomeofchicago.org).
Arrangements entrusted to Hitzeman Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 9445 West 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513. For information 708-485-2000 or www.HitzemanFuneral.com
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Dear Tina, Sonja and Linda-
What a truly wonderful man your dad was! He was just a delight to be with and brought joy to so many. I idd not know he was the president of the Dania society for ten years! He always knew who he was and what he stood for. You and your children are his dear proud legacy and we are so happy to have had such deep friendship for so many years. Much love!
Sonja,
Such a wonderful life and story of Thorkil. Thank you for sharing his fulfilled life and how much his daughters meant to him. Bruce and I send love and condolences to you, Tina and Linda.
Warm regards,
Deborah
My sincere condolences to Tina, Sonja and Linda. I am sure you three are grateful for the childhood you were granted by your loving parents. I feel honored to have glimpsed that when you were young adults and we became friends. The words “Thorkil” and “forgotten” can only be found together with “NEVER”!
Rest in Peace, Thorkil.
Please accept my condolences for you and your family on the loss of your Father, Thorkil. He seemed like a very nice person and was always nice to me, his neighbor.
He was also a good friend to Lucy, his wife & his friend for many years. They were so interesting walking down the street together talking up a storm.
My son, Kevin, has been working on our family genealogy and has discovered ancestors from Norway. So, I guess we share more than we knew. Prayers for your family from mine. Sincerely, Connie Fishman, 5625 S Peck
So sorry, I will not be able to come to the memorial service, because I will be out of town.
Dear Sonja and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your lose. We know how hard it is to lose a father, grandfather father-in-law and the matriarch of the family since we lost my father a few years ago this month. I’m glad you have your sisters to have unspoken comfort with each other and your loving family.
Be well, our prayers are with you all.
Les Perreaux, Jean-Pierre, Maribeth et Lana-Marie
Dear Tina and family. I am really sorry about the loss of your dad. I am sure he’s now in peace traveling his personal divine journey and grateful for the wonderful life and the awesome family he made and enjoyed. Send you a sincere big hug to you and your family from Mexico.
Dear Linda, Tina, and Sonja,
I am sending my love and deepest condolences to you and your families. I am sorry that I am not able to join you at the memorial service for your beloved father. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Peace,
Amy Wyman Luzar
Dear daughters,
Thorkil touched my heart. He was a gentle beautiful soul. I was blessed and honored to help take care of him in his end year. I could tell he was loved deeply by the love and caring you all showed him. I will always remember his smile. Gods blessings in this difficult time.
Audrey
GLC Hospice.