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Billy Thorson, age 89, of Hettinger, ND, passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the West River Regional Medical Center in Hettinger, ND with his daughters by his side.

Service of Remembrance for Billy will be Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. MT at the Bucyrus Lutheran Church in Bucyrus, ND.  Pastor Deb Molbert will officiate and burial will follow at the Hettinger Cemetery.  Following the burial a time of fellowship and lunch will be at the Granary in Hettinger, ND.  Visitation will be Friday, September 20 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., follow by a gathering of friends and family at 5:00 p.m. all at the Centennial Chapel of Evanson Jensen Funeral Home, 700 2nd Avenue South, in Hettinger, ND.

Born on Mother's Day, May 12, 1935, to Obert and Faye (Jones) Thorson, Billy was the youngest of three children.  He was raised on the family farm north of Bucyrus, graduated from Bucyrus High School in 1953, and then completed agricultural certificate programs at North Dakota Agricultural College in Fargo (now North Dakota State University).

On August 31, 1957, Billy was joined in marriage with Elgean Olson.  They made their home, raising cattle and grain, on the Thorson farm and ranch where they lived their love for 65 years until Elgean's passing in April of 2023.  Three daughters were born to this union – Robin, Suzanne, and Kristi.

Billy lived his life dedicated to faith, family, and community.  A lifelong member of Bucyrus Lutheran Church, he served on the Church Council over the years in about every capacity that could be imagined.  He also served on the Board of Directors for the Hettinger Equity Elevator for 23 years holding the offices of secretary and president, the Argonne Township Board, and the Board of Directors of the Community Memorial Hospital.  Billy was also a member of the Eagles (having held every office) and Flying Farmers (which he enjoyed immensely).  Love of the land, care for livestock, and appreciation for wildlife directed his efforts in farming, ranching, and conservation.  AND … he was the best dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa ever. Nothing made him light up more than simply being with his family.

Billy is survived by his daughters Robin (Greg) Yale, Watford City, ND; Suzanne (Larry) Doerr, Hettinger, ND; Kristi (Evin) Flasted, Black Hawk, SD; eight grandchildren (Billy, Shayna, Lucas, John, Caleb, Hannah, Rachel, Micah); twelve great-grandchildren; sister Betty Stockman, Georgetown, TX; brother-in-law Delwayne (Cindy) Olson, Hettinger, ND; and six nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Elgean; his parents Obert and Faye Thorson; sister and brother-in-law Davetta and Pete Ihle; brother-in-law Bill Stockman; and father- and mother-in-law Ragnar and Agnes Olson.

Billy's family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to everyone at Western Horizons Assisted Living, Visiting Nurses, and West River Medical Center for the devotion to his comfort and well-being while he was with you.

Memorials received in memory of Billy will be donated to the Bucyrus Lutheran Church for upcoming exterior projects.