Bruce E. Throne

Bruce E. Throne, 82, of Litchfield, passed away Friday evening, November 24, 2023 at Hillsboro Rehabilitation & Health Care in Hillsboro, IL with his family by his side.
  
Bruce was born on September 24, 1941 to Charles E. and Phyllis (Davenport) Throne in Hennepin, IL.
 
Bruce attended Litchfield High School with the class of 1960.  He married Donna L. Mattioda on May 28, 1960 at St. Timothy United Methodist Church in Litchfield. Bruce began his career at Wepco, later at International Paper, both in Litchfield, and then at Fiat-Allis in Springfield, IL. In 1969, Bruce began his career as a heavy equipment operator with Norfolk Southern Railway, retiring in 2002 after more than 32 years of service, where he took great pride in mastering the skills of his trade and became a respected legendary backhoe operator. Bruce was a member of St. Timothy United Methodist Church, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Union, and was a past member of Litchfield Moose Lodge 1634.

He was a dedicated father, grandfather and husband.  He loved spending time with family.  Some of his proudest moments were spent watching his granddaughters grow up. Bruce was best known in the community as an avid competitive runner, completing nine marathons, and countless 5K,10K and 15K races.  His most prestigious accomplishment was competing in the Boston Marathon in 1982. Bruce enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals and was a Charter member season ticket holder of St. Louis Rams for 21 years. He had a natural talent for auto mechanics and gave a special meaning to the term “shade tree mechanic”, as it was common to see him rebuilding an engine hanging from a tree limb in his younger years.  He enjoyed auto racing, blues festivals, wineries, and most of all traveling with his wife. Bruce was recognized by everyone he met for his smile and his selflessness.  He touched a lot of hearts, both at home and around the globe and forever remains in the hearts of many.   
  
Bruce is survived by his wife Donna, two sons, Tony (Vickie) Throne of Litchfield, IL and Troy Throne of Litchfield, IL; four granddaughters, Kayla Throne, Lexi Throne, Casey Throne, and Madi Throne; two sisters, Evelyn Haycraft of Hillsboro, IL, Virginia (Mike) Hedrick of Benld, IL; several nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a special brother-in-law, James Mattioda of San Diego, CA.
  
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Charles E. and Phyllis M. Throne, half-sister, Helen Bushaw, and half-sister, Edith Richman.

Visitation will be held Sunday, December 3, 2023, from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm at Litchfield Family Funeral Service in Litchfield, IL.
     
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at 2:30 pm at the Litchfield Family Funeral Service, Litchfield, IL, with Rev. John Vidakovich and Rev. Judy Vidakovich officiating.
  
Memorials are suggested to the St. Timothy UMC Soup Kitchen or the Donor’s Choice. 
 
Online condolences can be given at www.litchfieldffs.com.

Litchfield Family Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.

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