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Rueben Thorson said he likes to make people laugh almost as much as he likes to see people heal at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital.
“This is a great job, working in a hospital. You know that the work you do has such a positive and direct impact on people,” said Thorson, who now resides in Plainfield after living 18 years in Bolingbrook and 21 years in Hinsdale.
Co-workers surprised Thorson Aug. 31 with a birthday bash at the hospital, where Thorson began his career as a housekeeper, then moved up the ranks to become a licensed practical nurse in 1975. He has worked at the hospital for 42 years.
After a co-worker suggested he live another 80 years Thorson loudly proclaimed: “I’m going to live to be 100, that’s for sure. Unless I die first.”
As nurses, doctors and staff shook his hand and gave him hugs, Marian Koleczec, a registered nurse who has worked with Thorson for 40 years, summed up why he is so popular that some co-workers affectionately call him “Grandpa.”
“He is very conscientious, and he tells great jokes that are clean and corny, but funny,” Koleczec said.
As the party broke up, Thorson reminded people of the two skunks that attended church: “They sat in their own pew ... then it came time to make an offering, but all they had was a scent to give ... then they folded their hands to pray, bowed their heads and said ‘shall we spray?’” Thorson said.
Amen.
Notable
• Named employee of the month at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital in April, 2001
• Deacon at Seventh Day Adventist Church, Bolingbrook
• Served in the U.S. Army in Korea as a combat engineer
& quotable
“I feel sorry for those people who go to work just to collect a check, and hate their job. It makes me feel good to help God heal people.”
Philosophy
“God is in charge of my life. Every day I am in his hands.”
Favorites
HOBBIES Lapidary (cutting and polishing of stones), church, Pathfinders (church scouts)
FOOD Just about any type of potatoes
SPORTS TEAM Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Cubs
Rueben Thorson said he likes to make people laugh almost as much as he likes to see people heal at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital.
“This is a great job, working in a hospital. You know that the work you do has such a positive and direct impact on people,” said Thorson, who now resides in Plainfield after living 18 years in Bolingbrook and 21 years in Hinsdale.
Co-workers surprised Thorson Aug. 31 with a birthday bash at the hospital, where Thorson began his career as a housekeeper, then moved up the ranks to become a licensed practical nurse in 1975. He has worked at the hospital for 42 years.
After a co-worker suggested he live another 80 years Thorson loudly proclaimed: “I’m going to live to be 100, that’s for sure. Unless I die first.”
As nurses, doctors and staff shook his hand and gave him hugs, Marian Koleczec, a registered nurse who has worked with Thorson for 40 years, summed up why he is so popular that some co-workers affectionately call him “Grandpa.”
“He is very conscientious, and he tells great jokes that are clean and corny, but funny,” Koleczec said.
As the party broke up, Thorson reminded people of the two skunks that attended church: “They sat in their own pew ... then it came time to make an offering, but all they had was a scent to give ... then they folded their hands to pray, bowed their heads and said ‘shall we spray?’” Thorson said.
Amen.
Notable
• Named employee of the month at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital in April, 2001
• Deacon at Seventh Day Adventist Church, Bolingbrook
• Served in the U.S. Army in Korea as a combat engineer
& quotable
“I feel sorry for those people who go to work just to collect a check, and hate their job. It makes me feel good to help God heal people.”
Philosophy
“God is in charge of my life. Every day I am in his hands.”
Favorites
HOBBIES Lapidary (cutting and polishing of stones), church, Pathfinders (church scouts)
FOOD Just about any type of potatoes
SPORTS TEAM Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Cubs
