Van Vincent Thayer, Sr.

Van Vincent Thayer, Sr., age 88, of Trenary, died Monday, September 15, 2025 at Medilodge of Munising. He was born on November 12, 1936 at his family home in Shingleton, Michigan to the late Geroge L. and Alice Leona (Parr) Thayer. When Van was only four years old his mother sadly died and left Van and his three young siblings with his father. While Geroge served in the United States Marine Corp the children moved to Saginaw and lived in the Catholic orphanage and was cared for by the Dominican Sisters. While Geroge would be on leave he would come to Saginaw and he and the four kids would hitchhike back to the U.P. to visit family. Years later, the kids asked their dad how he knew so many people that would give them rides, food, and a place to stay? When Van was 12 years old, his father remarried, and the family moved back to Munising. Van graduated from Sacred Heart School and then Wm. G. Mather High School in 1955. He entered into the U.S. Navy and was stationed in San Diego, California. After being honorably discharged, he came back home and used his G.I. Bill to go to school at NMU where he earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Van married Patricia Borbot and their family moved to Holland, Michigan where Van worked for Boy Scouts of America. Following his divorce Van moved back to the U.P. where he made his home in Trenary. His most recent job was working for the U.S. Forest Service where he did maintenance, camp site upkeep, and planted trees. Van had a green thumb and grew an amazing garden. He built a greenhouse to help his garden grow. He loved to be able to share his abondance of vegetables with family, friends, and his church community. He was a faithful servant and Jehovah’s Witness and attend Kingdom Hall in Marquette.

Van is survived by his sons – Van “Vince” (Jenifer) Thayer, Jr., and Stephen Thayer; grandchildren – Vincent Scott (Liezl) Thayer, Justin T. Thayer, Shawn Smith, Travis (Carrie) Bileth, and Amanda (Alex) Avery; great-grandchildren – Dominik, Lincoln, King, Jude, Joey, Avery, and Amara; sisters – Myrtle Tidd and Theda “Teddy” Radloff; sister-in-law – Adele Thayer; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother – Leona Thayer; father – George Thayer, Sr.; step-mother – Ruth Charbinois, brother – George Thayer, Jr.; and brothers-in-law – Bill Tidd and Glenn Radloff.

No services are scheduled at this time.