Eugene J. "Duke"Thornberg, 81, of North Cleveland Avenue in South Bend, IN, passed away at 12:10am Sunday, June 12, 2005 in Memorial Hospital. He was born on July 5, 1923 to the late Fredolph and Elizabeth (Schoppe) Thornberg in South Bend, IN, and was a lifelong resident.

Along with his parents; he was preceded in death by one son, David Thornberg in 1989; and one brother, Larry Thornberg in 1986.

Mr. Thornberg retired in 1986 from Business Systems, where he worked for 11 years. Prior to that, he worked for 11 years at Studebaker, and then for 14 years at Baers Furniture Store.

He is survived by his ex-wife, Norma Mendel of Canoga Park, CA; one son, Gary Thornberg of San Juan Capistrano, CA; three grandchildren, Amanda, Emily, and Molly Thornberg; three nieces, Patty Thornberg of Granger, IN; Carol Beagles of Granger, IN; Gail Purcell of South Bend, IN; one nephew, Todd Thornberg of Chicago, IL; and one sister-in-law, Jean Thornberg of Mishawaka, IN.

Mr. Thornberg was an avid fisherman. He was an Army Veteran of World War II; a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 9820; and American Legion Post 284, both in South Bend. Eugene graduated from Holy Cross Grade School and Central High School.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 - 11:00am Thursday, June 16, 2005 in Kaniewski Funeral Home, 3545 N. Bendix Drive, South Bend, IN. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00am Thursday, June 16, 2005 in Kaniewski Funeral Home, with Rev. Donald Bayne, Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to: The Center for Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.

08/17/2022 EJS