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IN MEMORY

David T. Threinen - Class Of 1952

David Tronvig Threinen, 79, of Beloit, WI, died Tuesday, August 20, 2013 in his home.  He was born July 21, 1934 in Kenosha, WI, the son of Bert and Ethel (Tronvig) Threinen.

David was a 1956 graduate of Beloit College, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Geology and Anthropology.  He was a 1961 graduate of Northwestern University in Evanston, IL receiving his Master of Science in Geology.  David married his Beloit College classmate, Caryl Tucker in 1956.  She predeceased him in 1996. He later married Jane Neubauer Wertz on June 21, 1998 in Houston, TX.  In 1998 David and Jane returned to Beloit, WI, to reside.  

David was a member of Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, Rotary Club of Beloit, and First Presbyterian Church. He was the President of Beloit College Chapin Society.  David was instrumental in the forming of Society for Learning Unlimited (SLU) in Beloit.  He was a life time trustee of Beloit College, a distinguished alumnus, and a man whose generosity of spirit, time, and talents shaped, sustained, and enlarged this college in real and profound ways.  All of that is well known on our campus, in this community, and by our alumni.  What is lesser known, due to Dave's modesty, but also because of his insistence on talking about Beloit College above all else, is the depth of his generosity to the college and the breadth of his professional success.  Dave earned a B.S. in anthropology and geology magna cum laude from Beloit in 1956 before pursuing a master's degree in geology from Northwestern, where he was the recipient of a Woodrow Wilson fellowship.  So successful was he professionally that Dave held the title of President and CEO three times - at Statex Petroleum, Convest Energy Corporation, and Thri-Tec Corporation, in addition to vice president, COO, and other managerial roles with companies including J. M. Huber, Tricentrol United States, and Pan American Petroleum (Amoco).

An alumni trustee from 1981-84 and a trustee from 1984-2006, he was elected life trustee in 2006 - the same year that he and wife Jane '56 were awarded a Distinguished Service Citation, the Alumni Association's highest honor.  Dave and Jane, former classmates and longtime friends who combined their families after the passing of their respective spouses, moved to Beloit in 1986 primarily to serve the college.  Their energy, positivity, generosity, and presence has made Beloit better in every way.   Even as his health failed in recent years, Dave remained a nearly constant presence, ignoring doctor's orders to attend the fall campaign kickoff, the spring Beloit Relays and many other events.

Survivors include his wife, Jane Threinen of Beloit, WI; two sons, Peter David Threinen of Houston, TX and Stephen (Susan) Threinen of Kansas City, MO; step children, Kenneth (Melodee) Neubauer of Williamsburg, VA, and Kathryn (Peter) Neubauer Landon of Beloit, WI; grandchildren, Caryl Threinen, Peyton Threinen, Zachary Threinen, Bailey Threinen, Camryn Threinen, Tucker Threinen, Paul Neubauer, Anna Neubauer, Nicholas Neubauer, Katelyn Landon and Kristyn Landon; sister-in-law, Connie Threinen of Middleton, WI; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother, Bill Threinen and sister, Jane T. Heaton.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at Beloit College Eaton Chapel, with Reverend Gene VanGalder officiating.  Memorials may be given in his name to Beloit College or the Beloit Regional Hospice.