WIOTA TOWNSHIP - A prayer vigil is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, to honor the victims of this weekend's triple homicide in rural South Wayne - Gary Thoreson, 70, his wife Chloe, 66, and his brother Dean, 76.
The service will be held at Wiota Lutheran Church, 6682 Wisconsin 78, South Wayne.
A family statement released via the church's pastor, Luke Smetters, describes the slain Thoresons as "proud parents and grandparents and extremely active in their community." They were also active members of the church.
"The family wants to express their thanks for all the support they've received from the Wiota community," Smetters said in the statement. "While it is hard for the family to find words to express everything that is going through their minds, they have stated that this situation is unbelievable and surreal. They are shocked, devastated and raw as they are filled with utter sadness."
The "entire community of faith, as well as the larger community" is welcome at the vigil, Smetters said.
All three victims farmed the acreage surrounding the house where they were found murdered. They were deeply involved in their community, Smetters wrote in the statement.
Gary Thoreson served as president of the Black Hawk School Board in South Wayne, worked as a computer programmer and enjoyed doing woodworking projects around the house.
Chloe Thoreson, "overall quite a classy lady," worked 20 years at Monroe Clinic and loved to paint, sew and dance. The couple have two children, Bryan Thoreson and Krista Kreil.
Dean Thoreson was active in county government and chaired the building committee for the current Wiota Lutheran Church location. He is survived by his wife, Rose.
The service will be held at Wiota Lutheran Church, 6682 Wisconsin 78, South Wayne.
A family statement released via the church's pastor, Luke Smetters, describes the slain Thoresons as "proud parents and grandparents and extremely active in their community." They were also active members of the church.
"The family wants to express their thanks for all the support they've received from the Wiota community," Smetters said in the statement. "While it is hard for the family to find words to express everything that is going through their minds, they have stated that this situation is unbelievable and surreal. They are shocked, devastated and raw as they are filled with utter sadness."
The "entire community of faith, as well as the larger community" is welcome at the vigil, Smetters said.
All three victims farmed the acreage surrounding the house where they were found murdered. They were deeply involved in their community, Smetters wrote in the statement.
Gary Thoreson served as president of the Black Hawk School Board in South Wayne, worked as a computer programmer and enjoyed doing woodworking projects around the house.
Chloe Thoreson, "overall quite a classy lady," worked 20 years at Monroe Clinic and loved to paint, sew and dance. The couple have two children, Bryan Thoreson and Krista Kreil.
Dean Thoreson was active in county government and chaired the building committee for the current Wiota Lutheran Church location. He is survived by his wife, Rose.