Wynn Lee Thacher, 83, passed away peacefully at his home in Lakeville, Minn., on May 16, 2025, after a six-year battle with cancer. He was born in Chatfield, Minn., on July 1, 1941, and grew up on the family farm of his parents Wylie and Eleanor (Berning) Thacher in Bristol, Minn. He attended country school and graduated from Harmony High School in 1959.
Wynn worked for Gunderson Motors in Fountain and Preston, Minn., before being hired by Chevrolet Motor Division in 1969. He served in several different technical, service, and marketing roles in the regional office for Chevrolet in Bloomington, Minn., until he retired in 2002. Wynn was a passionate motorsports and NASCAR fan, and rode Harley-Davidson motorcycles from his school days until the last years of his life. He enjoyed riding Harley-Davidson motorcycles all over the United States, including many national Harley Owners Group tours over the years where he made many friends. He was also active in his local snowmobile club and taught snowmobile safety classes for over 10 years.
He is survived by his first wife, Ann Mraz (Jones); his son Brad (Ann) Thacher, his three grandchildren: Sara, Barb (Aaron) Nelson and Mary (Josh) Presson; and three great-grandchildren: Ellie, Kate and Aleks Nelson. He is also survived by his second wife, Margit (Kindem); two stepchildren, Paul (Amy) James and Ingrid James; and two granddaughters, Faith and Grace James.
He was predeceased by great-grandson Atticus Presson.
Following his wishes, a private ceremony for the family will be held at a later date. He will be buried in Greenleafton, Minn., next to his parents.
Ellen Lawson says
So sorry to hear about Wynn’s passing. He was a great friend and like an older brother to me as we went to the same country school at Bristol Center, MN. We have kept in contact over the years 3/4 times a year at least.
His parents were good friends of my folks also. RIP Wynn you struggled for a long time with illness and pain. You are in a better place now.
Ardath (Masters)Johnson Johnson. says
My deepest Sympathies to Wynn’s Family. He was a quiet man, when I knew him in Harmony Highschool. I also graduated in 1959. May he rest in peace.