10-19-1937 – 01-06-2024

Harold William Thorpe, lovingly known as Skip since he was a small child, was born on October 19, 1937, in Mineral Point, WI to Harold and Laura (Fitzsimons) Thorpe. Skip recalled many happy memories spending time with relatives on their family farms in Southwest Wisconsin, instilling a deep appreciation for the strong women that raised him and developed his uncompromising work ethic. Skip earned an education degree from UW-Platteville, working as a special education teacher, while earning his master's degree in educational psychology from UW-Madison. He worked as a school psychologist in the public school system but felt that he could assist students more by being instrumental in helping guide teachers into being outstanding educators; this passion led him to Utah State University, where he earned a doctorate degree in education.

Skip married Lynn (Weinkauf) Thorpe on August 22, 1968, and the two settled in Butte des Morts, WI, where they raised their three children. Skip worked at UW-Oshkosh for 25 years, teaching classes, supervising undergraduate and graduate student teachers, and serving in administrative positions as a graduate program coordinator, a department chairperson, and a college associate dean. But his first love was conducting research that produced more than twenty-five publications in education and psychology journals. At the end of his professional career, he headed a research project that resulted in the return of fifty-two million dollars from the Federal Department of Education to Wisconsin schools.

Upon retirement, Skip decided to continue his learning journey and honed his craft of writing fiction books, publishing over eleven books and hundreds of short stories. But his greatest love was watching his grandchildren play sports, attending every game, celebrating the wins and commiserating in the losses. Skip was known for encouraging the whole team, not just his grandchildren. You would see him at games sitting in the shade, lathered up with sunscreen, or bundled up in layers of clothing. Skip never missed an opportunity to see his four grandchildren participate in all their activities. He said the greatest joy in his life was his grandchildren. Skip's second biggest joy was building a family cabin in Door County, Wisconsin; he delighted in watching the people he loved as they enjoyed the beauty of Door County. He often invited family to visit and took pleasure in sitting in his recliner chatting about memories of his childhood.

Following a brief illness, Skip was at peace, knowing he had lived a good life and helped people when he could. He will be remembered for his love of education, his unwavering love for his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and a good ole' fashioned fish fry with a Blue Moon beer.

Skip is survived by his wife of 55 years; their children: Lisa, Chris (Treva), Tim (Jodi); and grandchildren: Wyatt, Aubrey, Grayson, and Bellamy. Skip is survived by his cherished brothers and sisters, and many extended family members, all of whom he loved.

A visitation will be at Mueller Funeral Home, 904 E. Main Street, Winneconne, on Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 11 am – 1 pm. Service at 1 pm. Following the service, a celebration of life will be from 2 pm – 5 pm at the Fin and Feather, 22 W. Main Street, Winneconne.

In lieu of flowers, donations will go to the Winneconne Scholarship Fund in honor of Skip.

If you wish please submit online memories/condolences to muellerfh.net.