About Thun Field

Thun Field was built in 1944 and purchased by Pierce County in 1979. Situated just south of the City of Puyallup in the South Hill neighborhood, Thun Field offers spectacular views of Mount Rainier. There are approximately 225 aircraft based at the airport, and approximately 89,000 operations (take-offs and landings) each year.

The Pierce County Airport, Thun Field was built in 1944 and bought by John Thun Sr. in 1949. Mr. Thun is best known for constructing and operating this popular airport, giving the aviation community a large and safe local airport.

John Thun lived his whole life building and creating. At the time he purchased the airport he was first learning to fly and thought the airport would be a nice place to raise chickens. But the flying won, as he became so interested in flying that he never really got around to the chickens.

He did, however, manage to raise a few kids around the field. The family atmosphere created by Thun was contagious and the airport became a place of many community gatherings, and over the years offered flight lessons and scenic charter flights.

John Thun is remembered by many and will be greatly missed.