Kathy Thorson

KATHRYN GWEN THORSON was born on October 5, 1958 to Lawrence and Olga (Haeaak) Thorson at the Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne, Minnesota. She was raised on the family farm east of Luverne. Throughout her youth she enjoyed her piano lessons with Anna Oydna and helping with whatever she could do to get outside and away from inside “chores”. Even as a child, animals were very important to her especially her horses for which she took great care.

Kathy attended Magnolia Public School through the 3rd grade then began in Luverne where she was active in basketball, receiving all-conference honors in 1976 and 1977, and fast-pitch softball. Upon graduating from Luverne High School in 1977, she attended Southwest State University in Marshall, Minnesota and Worthington Community College in Worthington, Minnesota.

Following her education, Kathy moved to Tucson, Arizona and became employed by Burr-Brown Corporation where she tested semiconductors for several years. She lived for some time in the Concordia, Kansas area before returning to Luverne. Kathy worked on and off part-time at the Corner Gas Stop while searching for her “niche” in the community. On Sunday, March 6, 2011 Kathy died at her home at the age of 52 years, 5 months, and 1 day.

Kathy grew up a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Luverne. She enjoyed basketball and fast-pitch softball and continued to follow women’s basketball over the years. She also enjoyed following the Minnesota Vikings. Most important to Kathy was her love of animals, especially her cats, dogs, and horses.

Kathy will be lovingly remembered by her mother, Olga Thorson Gabrielson of Luverne, Minnesota; two siblings, Pamela and her husband Jack Hommen of Fargo, North Dakota, and Jeff Thorson of Luverne, Minnesota; a niece, Alicia (Randy) McCullum and a nephew, Andrew (Nikki) Hommen; five great-nieces and great-nephews; the Russell Gabrielson family; and other family and friends. Kathy was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence; and grandparents, Jens and Gustava (Larson) Thorson and Adolf and Ragna (Langsnses) Haeaak.