THORSON, Florence E. (Valentine) 1900-1996

THORSON, VALENTINE

Posted By: County Coordinator
Date: 11/3/2009 at 13:58:37

#1:

Florence E. Thorson 1900-1996

ST. ANSGAR, IOWA -- Florence E. Valentine, 95, daughter of Richard Louis and Lucy Marion Valentine, was born May 8, 1900, in Worth County, Iowa, near Northwood, and passed away Monday, February 19, 1996, from natural causes at the Wellington Regional Medical Center, Wellington, Florida.

The Valentine family moved to St. Ansgar in 1905. Florence was one of three children. She went to public school and later attended college in Cedar Rapids, where she became a teacher. At the age of 24, she was admitted to the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She married Walter "Leon" Thorson, of St. Ansgar, on June 20, 1928, where they lived until they moved to North Palm Beach, Florida, in 1970. They went together to Sutton Place Convalescent Center, Lake Worth, Florida, in 1984, where they resided until their deaths.

Both enjoyed life to its fullest, with many friends wherever they went. Their church and community were major parts of their lives. They loved square dancing, traveling frequently to conventions, were avid golfers, and Leon took up deep sea fishing in Florida, where Florence made sweaters for the grandchildren. Their photos and journals speak of trips to Hawaii, Europe and the Bahamas as well as many places in the United States.

Florence was visited in December by her family, at which time she told them that, "We would all meet again in a better place," and then went on to say that, "The next time you come, I will be sleeping... all day... and all night... and all day... and all night...." and as her voice trailed off, the family knew she was saying good-bye.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Wayne and Joanne; five grandchildren, Blake, Brett, Deborah, Thea and Sheri; and five great-grandchildren.

Florence was preceded in death by her sister Doris (Morse), and brother, Richard; her husband, Walter Leon; and son, Robert.

A memorial service for Florence and Leon will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday (Feb. 28, 1996) at First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, with the Rev. Robert Porisch officiating. Friends are invited to remember their lives with the family following the service. Graveside farewells and burial of their cremation remains will be at the First Lutheran Cemetery in St. Ansgar.

They are sadly missed by those they left behind, but peace is felt in knowing they are in a "better place" and free of their earthly encumbrances.

Schroeder & Sites Funeral Home, St. Ansgar, is in charge of arrangements.

[RE: Mason City Globe Gazette, Mason City, Iowa, February 27, 1996]

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#2:
Photo of Florence and Leon Thorson from 1970 membership directory of First Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar.

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