Richard Thorson

Richard "Rick" B. Thorson, age 62, of rural New London, died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 10, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 15, at First Lutheran Church of Norway Lake. Visitation will be from 5-8 P.M. on Thursday, May 14, at Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Willmar Noon Lions Club are preferred.
Richard "Rick" Byron Thorson was born on June 25, 1952, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the son of Eldon and Joyce (Dahlbeck) Thorson. He grew up in New London and graduated from New London High School in 1970. In 1971, Rick was married to Cathy Ruter and to this union they were blessed with a daughter, Valerie. In 1982, Rick was married to Nancy Patton and to this union they were blessed with a son, Joshua. On December 30, 1988, Rick was married to Ann Bonham Lippold and together they raised their son, Aaron. Rick lived his entire life in the New London community. He was first self-employed as a salesman and later became an insurance agent and made a career with American Family Insurance for almost 40 years. Rick was a past member of the New London Jaycees and active member of the Willmar Noon Lions Club. He also volunteered for the Salvation Army and numerous other organizations. Rick enjoyed fishing, reading, gardening, landscaping and spending time on the waters of Mud Lake. He was instrumental in organizing many of the Thorson family reunions. Rick will best be remembered for his creative imagination, great sense of humor, big heart and gentle smile.

He is survived by his wife, Ann of New London; three children, Valerie (and Chris) Walstrom of Belgrade, Josh (and Michelle) Patton of Arlington, VA. and Aaron Lippold of Reston, VA; and five grandchildren, Tyler, Tanner, Jordyn, Joshua and Aubrey. Also surviving is his mother, Joyce Thorson of Spicer and one brother, Michael Thorson (and Carol) of New London, besides other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eldon in April of 2014 and one sister, Lori in 1967.