Twenty years to the day after Private First Class William Thorne was killed while serving in Iraq, his family, fellow veterans and community leaders gathered Monday morning to ensure his name and sacrifice will continue to be remembered in Sioux County.
The PFC William “Willy” Thorne Memorial Bridge was dedicated during an 8 a.m. ceremony at the Iowa Department of Transportation maintenance garage in Alton. The memorial signs were to be installed following the ceremony along Iowa Highway 60 at the bridge over Willow Creek just north of Hospers.
Thorne, a Rock Valley native who made his home in Hospers with his wife, Corey, was 26 when he was killed on August 24, 2006, after an improvised explosive device (IED) detonated near his vehicle during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
A Ceremony Built Around Remembrance
Monday’s ceremony traced Thorne’s life, military service, and legacy.
Following recognition of Thorne’s family and other guests, the ceremony included the National Anthem and an invocation from Rev. Duane Tinklenberg, Thorne’s former pastor who also officiated his funeral in September 2006.
Those gathered heard Thorne’s obituary, remarks Iowa U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley delivered on the Senate floor following Thorne’s death, and the Sioux County Board of Supervisors resolution supporting the memorial bridge designation. Retired Iowa Army National Guard Major and Sioux County American Legion Commander Cory Van Sloten, who organized the ceremony, also read Thorne’s posthumous Bronze Star Medal citation.
The ceremony later featured remarks from Thorne’s widow, Corey Thorne Schlenker, before concluding with Tinklenberg’s benediction, “America the Beautiful” and “The Army Song.”
For Tinklenberg, returning 20 years after officiating Thorne’s funeral brought the ceremony back to a principle familiar to those who have served in the military.
“We want to do this to kind of honor something that the Army talks about — the idea of never forgetting,” Tinklenberg said. “Never forgetting those who have paid the ultimate price, the sacrifice of their lives in service of their country.”
Tinklenberg also reflected on the symbolism of dedicating a bridge. He pointed to the Christian belief that Christ serves as a bridge between people and God, faith he said brought comfort to Thorne and continues to comfort his family.
Keeping Willy’s Name Alive
For Schlenker, Monday brought to fruition a tribute she said she was honored to learn about when plans for the memorial first developed.
“You go through your whole life not wanting their name to be forgotten,” Schlenker told Sioux County Radio shortly after learning of the plans. “And this is just a really wonderful tribute to a reminder of the Hospers and everybody who lives around the area. The true sacrifice that Willy gave his life for his country.”
The effort to establish the memorial bridge was spearheaded by Van Sloten, who served in the Iowa Army National Guard from 1992 through 2023 before retiring as a major. He contacted Schlenker about the proposal and received her approval before moving forward with the process.
The Sioux County Board of Supervisors approved Resolution 2026-31 on June 16 supporting the designation of the Highway 60 bridge over Willow Creek as the PFC William Thorne Memorial Bridge.
The two signs were funded locally. The Hospers and Rock Valley American Legion posts each paid for one sign, with Van Sloten saying fabrication and installation cost $550 apiece.
Remembered in Washington and Sioux County
Grassley was unable to attend Monday’s ceremony because of previous commitments, but sent a new message that Van Sloten read on his behalf.
The Iowa senator’s connection to Thorne’s story dates back to the days following his death. On Sept. 5, 2006, Grassley honored Thorne on the floor of the U.S. Senate, recounting the service of both William and Corey, their willingness to risk their lives for others and the loss felt in Rock Valley, Hospers and across the country.
Twenty years later, Grassley’s message focused on what the new memorial can mean for generations who did not know Thorne.
“Thank you for inviting me to the Private First Class William Thorne Memorial Bridge dedication ceremony. I regret that I will not be able to attend due to previous commitments. I know I join a chorus of others in sending my best wishes in remembrance of Private First Class Thorne and his incredible acts of gallantry during Operation Iraqi Freedom. By dedicating this bridge, the Hospers community is assuring that future generations will not forget the courage and sacrifice of those who came before them.”
Thorne’s military service was also remembered through the reading of his Bronze Star Medal citation. Thorne received the medal posthumously for his service in Iraq from February through August 2006. The citation recognized his commitment, dedication and selfless service and said no greater honor could be demonstrated than his ultimate sacrifice.
A Special Meaning at Willow Creek
The bridge’s location near Hospers was selected in part because the community was where William and Corey made their home before joining the U.S. Army and where Thorne is buried.
But Schlenker told those gathered Monday that there is another connection to the location that makes the memorial particularly meaningful to her.
“Have I ever told you Willy loved willow trees? I don’t believe that’s a coincidence, that his name will now be on a bridge over Willow Creek,” Schlenker said. “Willy loved to fish, so I’m going to picture him fishing there too.”
William and Corey were married in November 2001 and made their home in Hospers. Both enlisted in the Army in 2005.
Schlenker previously told Sioux County Radio she was also serving in the Army and happened to be home on two-week leave when she learned Willy had been killed in action. She was later discharged under a family hardship.
Twenty years later, she used Monday’s dedication to thank family, friends, fellow service members and others who have supported her and the Thorne family and continued remembering Willy.
She offered particular thanks to those who served alongside him on the day he died.
“Thank you for speaking his name and keeping his memory alive,” Schlenker said.
And as a memorial bearing his name prepared to take its permanent place near the community they called home, Schlenker closed by remembering more than Thorne’s military service.
“Thank you, Willy, for all the memories you left with each of us,” Schlenker said. “His jokes for always making us laugh, the time he listened and gave advice, or simply just for being a friend to many of us. May he always be remembered for his bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.”
(L to R): Corey Thorne Schlenker, Sioux County American Legion Commander Cory Van Sloten, and Rev. Duane Tinklenberg deliver remarks at the bridge dedication ceremony in Alton. / Photos: Sioux County Radio
