Lauren Thorson Obituary

Lauren Hovey Thorson was born February 7, 1930 at the Einen Hospital in Philip, South Dakota, the son of Joseph and Cora (Hovey) Thorson. He grew up on the family ranch and attended Alfalfa Valley School. As a young man, he farmed and ranched in the Grindstone area.

He was united in marriage to JoAnn Goss on September 3, 1955 in Rapid City, South Dakota. After their marriage, they continued to reside on the family farm-ranch in the Grindstone area. Lauren also built steel granaries and did carpentry work in the area. Lauren was also involved in block and brick laying, and assisted in the construction of minuteman missile bases in western South Dakota.

Lauren was a former member of Trinity Lutheran Church and a current member of First Lutheran Church in Philip. He was also a member of Philip Masonic Lodge 153.

Lauren enjoyed coaching and playing little league baseball. He spent much time hunting, fishing, and trapping and enjoyed playing all kinds of card games. Lauren was very active in golf and bowling. Lauren lived every day as if it was the best day of his life.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife JoAnn of Philip; three sons Donald Thorson of Dewey, Oklahoma, Richard "Rick" Thorson and his wife Selma of Philip, and Douglas Thorson and his wife Nancy of Quinn, South Dakota; three daughters, Laurie Dale and her husband Mike of Amarillo, Texas, Linda Thorson of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, and Rhonda Thorson of Burnsville, Minnesota; ten grandchildren, Rachael, Jon, Adam, Elizabeth, Hannah, Jesse, Luke, Shasta, Grace and Cassidy; two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Leonard Thorson and his wife Phillis of Philip, and Corwin "Corky" Thorson and his wife Zoni of Philip; three sisters, Mildred Radway of Philip, Maxine O’Reilly of Murdo, South Dakota, and Janice Parsons and her husband Bart of Milesville, South Dakota; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Lauren was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Cora Thorson; and three brothers-in-law Bob Radway, Loren O'Reilly and Dan Goss; and one sister-in-law Margo Thorson.

Visitation was held 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20, at the Rush Funeral Home in Philip, and one hour preceding the services at the legion hall on Wednesday.

Funeral services were held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 21, at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Pastor Mark Ford officiating.

Interment will be in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.

A memorial is established.

FUNERAL SERVICES
Wednesday, December 21, 2005 2:00 p.m.
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota
CLERGY
Pastor Mark Ford
MUSIC
Marilyn Millage– Pianist
Maureen Palecek – Vocalist
"Old Rugged Cross"
"Rock of Ages"
MASONIC SERVICES BY
Philip Masonic Lodge #153
USHERS
Rod Knutson – Donnie Poss
PALLBEARERS
Mel Smith – Kieth Smith
John Knutson – Paul Slovek
Darrel Terkildsen – Bill Gottsleben
HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance
INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Guest Book

I just finished watching the video tribute to Lauren and it so much portrays the humble, kind man that we all knew and admired. Lauren was a tireless worker for the good of all things he loved. You all can be proud to have shared in the many great memories he etched in your hearts and minds.
~ Nancy and Charlie Ekstrum Green Valley, AZ (12/16/2005)

I recall attending Bible School with Lauren and going to Sunday School at his parents home. We did enjoy our recess of playing. He was a special kind person. Tork spent a lot of time with the family during the summer when he worked for Joe. I send my deepest sympathy to Jo Anne and family. Jackie
~ Jacqueline Thorson 537 Ponderosa Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80911 (12/16/2005)

Doug and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I know what it is like to loose a parent, it is very hard, I wanted you guys to know that we are thinking about you in your time of loss. Try to remember that he is in a better place now. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
~ Tracey Paulsen (Anderson) 1210 Charles St., Spearfish, SD 57783 (12/16/2005)

We always enjoyed visiting with Lauren at the Senechal where Mom also lived until last summer. We'll miss seeing him around.
~ Cork & Bev Jahner 701 Ottilie Dr., Kerrville, Texas (12/16/2005)

So sorry to hear the news about Lauren. He and I go back a long ways. Clear back when we didn't like girls. That was before we knew that girls were the main thing. When my sister, Ruth and I visited him the last time, he seemed so cheerful and still so positive about life. It was at the Philip hospital where he had just had another amputation. He and I always had a hard time trying to figure out whether we like beer or baseball the best. When I look back over my life and the friends I have had, there is no one any dearer than Lauren. What a guy!!! God got a good one.
~ Gene Reynick 8033 W. Appomattox Ln., Boise, ID 83714 (12/16/2005)

I think of the times...working with Lauren on the minute man project. A very fine gentleman, and friend!
~ Rich Grable 2432 Rock Creek Dr., Kerrville, TX (12/16/2005)

Lauren always had such a positive attitude. I never heard him complain about anything. We will miss him much.
~ Corky and Zoni Thorson Philip, SD (12/16/2005)

JoAnn, Rick and family: Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. God's blessings to all of you.
Lauren was a Great man and he will be very missed
~ Jeremy & Krystal Noteboom Philip, SD (12/16/2005)

Lauren Thorson

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Friday, December 16, 2005
at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 75

Service Details

Guest Book

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Lauren Thorson

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Friday, December 16, 2005 at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 75

Service Details

Guest Book

Flowers

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Friday, December 16, 2005
at the Hans P. Peterson Memorial Hospital in Philip at the age of 75