Robert M. “Bob” Thrun, a public finance attorney whose Lansing-based law firm represents the majority of Michigan public schools, died Dec. 2 at his winter home in Estero, Florida. He was 90.
The Thrun Law Firm was founded by Robert Thrun’s father Fred Thrun in 1946. Fred’s wife and Bob’s mother Caroline M. Thrun joined the firm in 1955, four years before Bob began practicing.
Born on May 30, 1931, Thrun graduated from Lansing Sexton High School, then earned a BA from Michigan State University and a JD with high distinction from Wayne State University.
He was an infantry officer of the U.S. Army Reserves from 1953-65, with active service from 1954-56.
Practicing with his parents, Thrun specialized in municipal and school law.
Bob and his father drafted the Michigan Community College Act of 1966. Today, more than 500 Michigan public school organizations are represented by 27 Thrun Law Firm attorneys, with offices in East Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Novi.
Friends and associates recall Thrun’s quick wit and outgoing personality. His enthusiasms included cars, motorcycles, and boats.
"Known by his colleagues, clients and friends as 'Bob,' he was a brilliant lawyer with an amazing legal mind matched only by his wit and sense of humor," said the firm's president, Christopher J. Iamarino. "Known statewide for his expertise in public finance and election law, Bob personally mentored many of our firm’s bond attorneys over the years, passing on the legacy that he and his parents established when they created Thrun Law Firm seventy-five years ago. He will be dearly missed."
Thrun’s wife of 68 years, Marjorie Ackerman Thrun, died in August. She was 89.
Marjorie, who shared Bob’s appreciation for wine, attended both the French and the German Wine Academies and was a wine buyer for Knapps Department store.
The couple raised a son, Richard, and two daughters, Susan Kay Drake and Karen Heyden. Susan Kay Drake died in 2019. Survivors include four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel on Monday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m.
