Steven Elvin Thorne
-- 1956 ~ 2011 --

Steven Elvin Thorne passed away peacefully at his home on August 12, 2011 after a long, difficult struggle with liver disease. He was born February 6, 1956 in American Fork, Utah, to E. Max and Laurel Thorne.

He had a happy childhood growing up in Pleasant Grove with his two brothers. As a child he loved playing with his trucks in the dirt and later made it his career running heavy equipment for 30 years for Alpine School District. He was well known for his skill as a backhoe operator. He graduated from Pleasant Grove High School.

Steve was an active member in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and served a full-time mission in Portland, Oregon. He loved serving in different positions in the Church and especially enjoyed his time serving as the Executive Secretary.

In 1985 he met his sweetheart, Barbara Jeffery Swalberg and they married later that year in the Provo, Utah Temple. He became an instant father to two daughters who loved him from the start. Steve and Barbara went on to have three more children and raised their family in Orem, Utah.

Steve always had a contagious love for the Christmas season. He extended that love to those around him through his authentic portrayal of Santa for family and friends. He combined his love of Christmas and his natural artistic abilities into beginning a successful Christmas decorating business.

His family was his main focus; they were his best friends and his favorite hobby. Spending time with them was his greatest joy, which only increased with the marriage of his children and the birth of each grandchild.

Steve is survived by his wife, Barbara; his children: Christi (Justin) Boulter, Florida; Ann (Andy) Glaus, Orem; Michael (Jennifer) Thorne, Orem; Ashley Thorne, Orem; and Jonathan Thorne, Orem; and seven grandchildren; his mother, Laurel Thorne, Pleasant Grove; brother, Willes (Karen) Thorne, Orem; and sister-in-law Caroline Thorne, Orem. He is preceded in death by his father, E. Max Thorne, and his brother, Kent Thorne.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in the Northridge 12th LDS Ward Chapel, 1780 North 165 East, Orem, Utah. Family and friends may call on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the church and also Wednesday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Orem City Cemetery. Funeral Directors - Warenski Funeral Home of American Fork, Utah.