Melvin Timothy Thorne

Melvin Timothy Thorne, 77, of Brookings, SD, passed away surrounded by his sons at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls, SD.  A Celebration of His Life Visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00pm Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at Rudeís Funeral Home, Brookings, SD, followed by a time of Sharing at 7:00pm Wednesday, September 29, 2026 at Rudeís Funeral Home.  Burial will be held at 10:00am Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Greenwood Cemetery, Brookings, SD.  Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudes
funeralhome.com

Melvin Timothy (Tim) Thorne was born on February 23, 1949, in Gettysburg, South Dakota, to Melvin and Mary Jane Thorne.  He grew up in Gettysburg, Beresford, and Brookings, graduating from Brookings High School in 1967. 

Beginning a lifetime defined by strength and service, Tim joined the military and served as a commissioned officer as a Special Forces Green Beret.  His career path took him to North Carolina as a Deputy Sheriff and then to Alaska, where the rugged landscape inspired his lifelong vocation as a construction contractor.  No one could think creatively about building like Tim could.  From intricate toys to sweeping gardens to buildings drawn from the geometry of his own mind, Tim could build anything his heart imagined.

But Tim's legacy isn't measured by his military career or the meticulous structures he built.  It is measured by the lives he touched.

That legacy lives on in his children, their families, and the fortunate men he mentored over the years.  His boys were Tim's pride and joy.  He instilled in them a deep love for the outdoors, from exploring and canoeing to camping and shooting.  Tim imparted to them and their friendís countless life skills.  He never stopped providing opportunities to learn, think critically, exercise creativity, persevere in challenges, solve problems, give generously, and love unconditionally. 

The legendary baseball coach in his old white Ford and jean jacket will be remembered as the strongest and most passionate dad there was.  Tim held them up and they did the same for him.

Perhaps more than anything, Tim adored his granddaughters, whom he loved "to pieces."  With Grandpa Tim by their side, the girls learned to play in the dirt, find joy in the smell of sawdust, savor the ripest mulberries, pick the crispest snap peas, and simply feel completely, unquestionably loved in his presence.

Tim is survived by his three sons, Tim Thorne, Tom (Sarah) Thorne, and Joe (Savannah) Thorne; daughter, Heather Adams; five grandchildren, Layla and Zoey (Joe), Sydney (Tom), Gavin & Libby (Heather); three step-grandchildren, Quinn, Leah, & Brooks (Tom); stepmother Arlyce Thorne; brother, Tracy (Sandy) Thorne; and sisters Julie Larson and Jeanne (Dennis) Weiland.  He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin Thorne; mother, Mary Jane Thorne; and brothers, Joe and Roy Thorne.