Leonard E. Therien Obituary (1926 - 2010)

(Chenoa) -- Leonard E. Therien, 84 of Chenoa, formerly of Pontiac, died at 10:54 p.m. (Aug. 13, 2010) at Illiana Healthcare in Danville. Graveside services with military rites will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday August 18, 2010 at Southside Cemetery in Pontiac. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home Pontiac is in charge of arrangements. Mr. Therien was born April 24, 1926, in Pontiac, the son of Leonard L. and Irena Shank Therien. He married Mariruth Ferguson on May 3, 1947, in Watseka. She survives in Chenoa. Also surviving are a daughter, Linda (Richard) Metz of Chenoa; two sons, Greg (Barb) of Lexington and Mark (Karen) of Pontiac; 10 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Sherry Lee Killian of Bloomington; two sisters Lu Ella Jones and Betty Boatman, and one brother Jack Therien He was educated in Pontiac schools. Mr. therein was employed with Morrison Pipeline and Construction for many years. Memorials may be made to OSF Hospice or the Illiana Healthcare at 1900 E. Main St., Danville, IL 61832 Mr. Therien was a World War II veteran who joined the U.S. Marines Corps in 1943. He trained with the elite U.S. Army Rangers combat units in Colorado before his deployment to the South Pacific Theater. The 5th Division, 27th Regiment, Company E landed at Iwo Jima on Feb. 19, 1945. His assault infantry unit was one of the first to storm the Iwo Jima beaches. He witnessed the Mount Suribachi American flag raisings on the fourth day of battle. Mr. Therien was wounded by a bombshell and sustained permanent back injuries three days later. Company E sustained 100 percent casualties. After an extended convalescence, Mr. Therien was honorably discharged and returned to Pontiac. He has been a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 886 in Pontiac. He and his wife enjoyed spending time with their family.