THORSON, Donald James 1930-2018

THORSON, MILLER, WIEGMANN, HARRIS

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 5/24/2018 at 08:00:58

Donald James Thorson

November 13, 1930 - May 21, 2018

Donald James Thorson, 87, of Charles City, passed away Monday, May 21, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services for Donald Thorson will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Charles City with Pastor Martha Bennett and Pastor Wendy Johannesen officiating. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Floyd.

Visitation will be at Hauser Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, 2018 and continue one hour prior to the services at the church on Wednesday.

Donald James Thorson was born on November 13, 1930 as an only child to Nels and Georgia Mae Miller Thorson on a farm that was called the Sylvester Place, four miles south of the Floyd County Fairgrounds. He lived there until he was nine years old and his parents moved to the home place five miles north of Floyd.

Don worked at Oliver for two years until he could afford his first tractor and then began his adventures in farming. He and Ruby farmed, milked dairy cattle, raised chickens, pigs, horses, beef cows, and sheep. After more than 40 years of living on the farm, Don and his wife Ruby moved to Charles City.

‘Thor' (named after his Norwegian Grandpa, Thor Thor), and ‘Crooked Arm', were favorite nicknames for Don as he played baseball and basketball for Floyd high school, where in his Sophomore year he was named most valued boy athlete.

Don married his school sweetheart Ruby Mae Stewart at the Little Brown Church in Nashua on September 3, 1948. They had 48 wonderful years and were happily married until her passing on November 9, 1996. Don and Ruby were blessed with 7 children in the course of their marriage. Their children are Douglas (Ruth), Linda Thorson Zimmerman (Gregg Arickx), David (Jean), Dean Leroy (stillborn), Kurtis (Brenda), Christine (Mike) Fitzpatrick, Karry (Lisa). They have 16 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren.

Don was a true craftsman and a lover of woodwork
who created many treasures, a legacy which he passed along to his children and grandchildren throughout his life. He also became an author as he realized a need to record some of his favorite stories about life in his much loved home town of Floyd, and the friends he made living there. Titled “Recollections,” this book evolved many times as he remembered more and more tales. If you would like a copy of his writings, (he would be happy to share them!), just email his daughter Christy at christyfitzpatrick@mac.com and she will email a copy to you.

Don shared the last two decades of his life and love with Maida Wiegmann, their families blending with great happiness.

Don received the Warren Coleman Honorary Award for his dedicated service to the Lions Club International. He was a member of the Floyd Lions Club for 50 years. He greatly enjoyed being a Leader in the local 4-H Club as well as FFA Club and was a life- long member of the Floyd Grace United Methodist Church and a dedicated conservationist.

Don's death on May 21st was preceded by that of his wife Ruby; son Dean Leroy; his parents, Nels & Georgia, and great-grandchild Gunnar Harris.

Hauser Funeral Home, (641) 228-2323, in Charles City, is in charge of local arrangements. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hauserfh.com.

SOURCE: Mason City Globe Gazette, 24 MAY 2018