Gordon Tharp, 89, of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, died September 12, 2009. He was born June 4, 1920 in Chicago to Charles and Mercena Tharp. Formerly of Nekoosa, Wisconsin during summers and Bull Head City, Arizona in the winter months, he was a resident of Lake Geneva for the past five years.

Before retirement he was a custodian for the US Post Office in Woodstock. He was a 17-year veteran of the US Army Air Corps, serving as a bombardier during World War II and the Korean War, and the recipient of a Purple Heart. He was a past commander with American Legion Post 491 and served as club manager for Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5040 and the Chapel Hill Country Club. He was also a member of the AF & AM Masonic Lodge. He enjoyed music and dancing, was an avid baker, and also enjoyed cooking.

Gordon is survived by his wife, Thelma; four daughters, Marilynn (Richard) Spence of Sevierville, Tennessee, Donna Tharp of Wonder Lake, Karen (Dave) Nader of Milwaukee, and Marjorie Kuhns of Wonder Lake; six grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, in 1985; an infant son, Charles; and a brother, Lowell.

The Northwest Herald, September 15, 2009