Arden Lyle Thorsbakken

Dr. Arden Lyle Thorsbakken, age 91, of Eau Claire, passed away peacefully on Tuesday afternoon with family by his side.  Arden was born on July 13, 1931, in Hillsdale, Wisconsin to Martin and Violet (Owen) Thorsbakken.  He graduated from Barron High School in 1949 where he lettered in football, was active in 4-H, and worked on the family farm.

Arden completed his BS in pharmacy at The University of Wisconsin-Madison and then served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army during the Korean War.   Following his return, he worked as a pharmacist in Wisconsin before enrolling in dental school at Marquette University; he graduated in 1963.  Arden worked as a dentist in River Falls and Eau Claire throughout his career.  Arden married Sandra Erickson in 1960 (divorced 1983) and married Patricia Brodacki in 1987 with whom he was married until her death in 2022.

After retirement, Arden worked as a dental instructor for CVTC, a literacy tutor, and volunteered in the community.  Arden was an inventor (8 US patents), poet, comedian, published children’s book author, educator, and entrepreneur.  He enjoyed spending time with his wife and family, reading, walking, being outside taking care of his lawn, and cheering on the Wisconsin Badgers.

Arden was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, parents, brother Robert, and brother-in-law Roland Gilbertson.

Arden is survived by his daughters Natalie (Bill) Schmaltz and Mary (Steve) Trebus, sons James and Max (Brooke), sister Rose Gilbertson, brother Dale (Ardis), sister-in-law Kay, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 11:30 a.m. at Hulke Family Funeral Home, 3209 Rudolph Rd., Eau Claire, WI 54701.  A visitation will be held on Tuesday, at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  A luncheon will take place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 1712 Highland Ave., Eau Claire, WI 54701, immediately following the service.  A private family burial will take place at Wayside Cemetery in Barron, WI.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.