Richard James Thorson, of Spring Valley, age 85, passed away April 11, surrounded by his family.
Richard was born on August 6, 1932, in Bennington Township to Bud and Laura (Kohn) Thorson.
Richard attended school in Grand Meadow and served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955.
In December 1955, he was united in marriage to Joan Thoreson and they had four children: Becky, Bobbi, Mark and Lynee.
Richard farmed for most of his life and worked at LeRoy Products for many years. He enjoyed fishing, especially in northern Minnesota, creating a lifetime tradition of summer vacations for the entire family. He also enjoyed watching Packers football, creating a healthy rivalry with most of his Vikings family fans.
Richard was active in the American Legion for 60 years and held several commander posts within the county, district and local Ostrander chapter.
Richard reunited with his high school sweetheart Iola Thompson and they have spent the last 18 years together enjoying bus trips, summer vacations, gardening and occasional casino visits.
Richard is survived by his children Becky Hansen (Phil) of Grand Meadow, Bobbi Olson (Bill) of Byron, Mark Thorson of Grand Meadow, and Lynee Schaefer of Cannon Falls; two sisters, Delores Phillips and Glendora Root; sister-in-law Delores Thorson, 13 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and Iola Thompson, “his Honey and Best Friend.”
Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ostrander, Minn. on Monday, April 16 from 5-7 p.m. The funeral will also be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Ostrander, Minn., on Tuesday, April 17 at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow at 2 p.m. at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Preston, Minn.
Condolences may be left at www.Hindtfuneralhomes.com.