Click Here to View the Funeral for Elgean

Elgean Thorson, age 83 of Hettinger, passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at Five Counties Nursing Home in Lemmon.

The funeral service for Elgean will be 10:30 AM Saturday, April 15, 2023, at the Hettinger Lutheran Church with Deb Molbert officiating and burial at the Hettinger Cemetery.

The funeral service Elgean will be livestreamed and link available on her obituary at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome .  The livestream can be viewed by clicking the link "Click Here to view the Funeral for Elgean" at the top of her obituary.

Public visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Centennial Chapel of the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home with Friends and Family gathering at 6:30 PM at the same location.

Elgean Annette Thorson passed away peacefully on April 8, 2023, at Five Counties Nursing Home in Lemmon, SD where she resided for nearly a year due to the effects of brain tumors.

Elgean was born September 14, 1939, to Ragnar and Agnes (Samdal) Olson in Hettinger, North Dakota.  A few years later the family was made complete with the birth of her brother, Delwayne.  She was raised and attended school in Hettinger and Bucyrus, graduating from Hettinger High School in 1957.

On August 31, 1957, Elgean was joined in marriage with Billy Thorson, the love of her life for over 65 years.  The couple made their home on the Thorson farm and ranch north of Bucyrus where they raised cattle, grain, and their three daughters – Robin, Suzanne, and Kristi.

Elgean will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and steadfast friend who could be counted on to be there whenever she was called. Family and community were central in her life. She was an active member of Bucyrus Lutheran church and Bucyrus Lutheran WELCA.  Over the years, she was also involved in Homemakers, 4-H (both as a member in her youth and, later, as a leader of her daughters' club), and Hettinger High School Music and Athletic Booster clubs.  She also volunteered with the Community Clothes Closet and participated in several bridge groups.

Precious memories abound.  Grandchildren and great-grandchildren eagerly anticipated visits to the farm AND to Grandma's kitchen where it was certain there would be a variety of homemade treats – especially the favorite caramel rolls! Elgean's creative talents were unmistakable outside of the kitchen as well.  She learned the Scandinavian arts of Rosemaling and Hardanger embroidery and crafted many beautiful pieces. She also had a flair for making quilts, table runners, and wall hangings, many of which were gifted to her children and grandchildren and will always be treasured.

Elgean is survived by her husband, Billy Thorson, Hettinger, ND; 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); ten great-grandchildren; brother Delwayne (Cindy) Olson, Hettinger, ND; sister-in-law Betty Stockman, Georgetown, TX; and six nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ragnar and Agnes Olson; father- and mother-in-law, Obert and Faye Thorson; sister- and brother-in-law, Davetta and Pete Ihle; and brother-in-law, Bill Stockman.

Elgean's family wishes to express great appreciation to Five Counties Nursing Home for the loving care provided to her during her residence there.

Memorial donations to the following are preferred:

West River Health Services Foundation ( www.wrhs.com/giving )

Badlands Ministries ( www.badlandsministries.org/giving )