Background
Firing, Thoralf Otmann was born on December 16, 1890 in Horten, Norway. Son of Martinius O. and Maren K. (Madsen) Firing.
Firing, Thoralf Otmann was born on December 16, 1890 in Horten, Norway. Son of Martinius O. and Maren K. (Madsen) Firing.
Brought to the United States, 1908, naturalized, 1917. Bachelor of Science, Northwestern, 1921. Bachelor of Divinity, Garrett Biblical Institute, 1921, honorary Doctor of Divinity, 1942.
Ordained to ministry, Methodist Church, 1916. Pastor Norway, Illinois, 1916-1919, Portage Park Church, Chicago, 1919-1920. Instructor Norwegian-Danish Theological Seminary, Evanston, 1917-1919, acting president, 1919-1920, president, 1920-1934.
Company-founder Evanston Collegiate Institute (now Kendall College), Evanston, Illinois, 1934, president, 1934-1954, president emeritus, 1954-1971.
Officer Rock River Methodist Church Conference President Norweigan-Danish Methodist History Society. Member American Education Association, Evanston History Society, Methodist Church Retired Ministers Association, International Society Norsemen.
Clubs: University, Rotary.
Married Evelyn Thora Thorsen, June 12, 1917. Children: Thor Martell, Ethel Dorothy, (Mistress Leslie Gravesen), Anita Evelyn (Mistress Robert Lystad), Gene Carol, (Mistress Charles Paine), Alf Martin, Ruth Ann (Mistress Charles Williams).