Dorothy Thorson

DOROTHY ELEANOR THORSON was born on August 1, 1925 to Griffith and Inez (Hotvet) Stensland in Canton, South Dakota. She was raised in Canton and rural Inwood, Iowa. She attended country school through the eighth grade and later graduated from high school in Inwood. Following her education she helped out at home on the farm for a few years. She then was a salesperson and model at Fantle’s Department Store in Sioux Falls, South Dakota until 1950.

On January 21, 1951 Dorothy was united in marriage to Torleif “Norman” Thorson at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, rural Inwood. They made their home on the farm east of Luverne, Minnesota and lovingly raised their four children. Dorothy and Norman remained on the farm until they moved into town in 1994. Norman preceded her in death on September 9, 2003. Dorothy continued to reside in their home and remained active in her church and with her family. In August 2012, Dorothy was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic and gallbladder cancer. While under care at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage, Dorothy went to be with her Lord on Monday, September 24, 2012 surrounded by her family at the age of 87 years, one month and 23 days.

Dorothy loved being an active member of Grace Lutheran Church where she served as past president of Grace Lutheran Church Women and belonged to the Lydia Circle. She also belonged to the Sons of Norway and was a volunteer at Sanford Luverne Hospital. She loved cooking, reading, music and dancing. She was also a strong supporter of the Backpack Program. Most of all she loved spending time with her family and attending her grandchildren’s special events, games and activities.

Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Christine and her husband Richard Hovda of Wausau, Wisconsin; three boys, Norris Thorson and Pat Mauch, Curt Thorson and his wife Caroline, and John Thorson all of Luverne, Minnesota, and John’s special friend, Judy Fox, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; five grandchildren, Elizabeth and Nicholas Hovda, and Dylan, Eric, and Luke Thorson; her sister, LaVonne Mydland of Inwood; and her Grace Lutheran Church family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Norman; and her parents, Griffith and Inez Stensland.