Truman Thrond

Truman Floyd Thrond, 92, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on July 17, 1933, in Worth County, Iowa, to Anders and Emma (Nicholson) Thrond, he was baptized at Silver Lake Lutheran Church, confirmed at Emmons Lutheran Church, attended country school at Silver Lake District 2, and graduated from Emmons High School in 1951.

In July 1952, Truman married Barbara (Collins) Thrond at The Little Brown Church in the Vale, and they had three children: Mary, Gerald, and Amy. He cherished his family, friends, and his relationships with his siblings, Arnie, Margie, and Dale, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Truman worked for Freeborn County for over thirty-five years, beginning at the Highway Department and later serving as the county's first Planning and Zoning Administrator, where he established four county parks. He believed in government transparency and was elected president of the Minnesota Association of Planning and Zoning Administrators; later becoming the Freeborn County Administrator. After retiring, he sold office equipment and worked as a realtor, helping people find homes. A jack-of-all-trades, Truman was known for his home improvement skills.

Truman was a passionate outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and trapping. He traveled to Canada, Wyoming, and Montana for these activities with good friends.

In addition to his love for the outdoors, Truman had diverse interests, including photography, woodworking, gardening, bowling, dancing, and antiquing. He traveled with his wife, Barbara, to visit their children living abroad in Spain, the Netherlands, and Japan, as well as in New York, California, and New Hampshire.

Truman was a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church for over 70 years, serving as a Sunday School teacher, scripture reader, and council member.

Known as 'El Presidente' in his later years at St. John’s Woodlands, he served as the president of the third floor.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Barbara; children Mary Thrond (Dan Fahrman), Gerald (Peggy) Thrond, and Amy (Dave) Allan; eleven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; his brother, Dale (Kathy) Thrond; and sister-in-law, Darlene Anderson. Truman was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Arnold and Margie Brones, and several in-laws.

Visitation will be at Bonnerup Funeral Home on Sunday, January 18, 2026, from 3:00-5:00 pm, with the funeral service on Monday, January 19, 2026, at 11:00 am at Grace Lutheran Church.

Memorial donations in Truman's honor may be made to:

Grace Lutheran Church, 918 Garfield Ave., Albert Lea, MN 56007

OR

South Central Minnesota Youth For Christ, 116 West Clark St. Albert Lea, MN 56007

The livestream link below is a complimentary service provided by Bonnerup Funeral & Cremation Services. Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. Please note, if the livestream does not appear, we are attempting to record and publish the service for later viewing.