Joyce Thorson

Joyce Thorson, age 87, of Spicer, died Friday, September 20, at Bethesda Grand Nursing Home in Willmar.

Visitation will be from 4:30-6:30 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 6:30 p.m., Friday, October 4, at Peterson Brothers Green Lake Funeral Home in Spicer. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in New London at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.

Joyce Marion Thorson was born January 29, 1932, in New London, Minnesota, the daughter of Gust and Mary (Wall) Dahlbeck.  She grew up and received her education in the New London community.  On September 24, 1950, she married Eldon Thorson and they made their home in the New London/Lake Florida area.  In 1970, they moved to the Twin Cities.  In 1985, they moved to Willmar, where they operated Thorson’s New and Used Shop.   As the shop grew and flourished it became more than just a business, it became a gathering point for family, friends and customers alike. In 2005, Eldon and Joyce sold the business and retired to the Spicer community.

Joyce is survived by a son: Michael Thorson (and Carol Johnson-Isaacson) of New London; a daughter-in-law: Ann Thorson of New London; six grandchildren: Christy (and Robert) Ankoviak, Corey (and Andi) Thorson, Cari (and Jereme) Ascheman, Val (and Chris) Walstrom, Josh (and Michelle) Patton, and Aaron (and Carmelina) Lippold; several great-grandchildren; two sisters: Marie Cookson and Shirley (and Martin) Ahrendt; numerous nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband: Eldon in 2014; a daughter: Lori Thorson; a son: Richard Thorson; a brother: Glen Dahlbeck; and three sisters: Lillian Schneider, Beverly Haverly, and Arlette Dilley.