Elaine Thorson

Elaine Thorson, 84, of Bay City, passed on to eternal life on Monday February 27, 2006 at her home. She was born on November 11, 1921 in Red Wing, to Carl and Marie (Johnson) Edquist. She graduated in 1939 from Ellsworth High School. After high school, she worked at the Pierce County Court House, then at Westerberg?s Restaurant and Weber?s Music Store in Red Wing. She also studied commercial art and took professional voice lessons. On June 28, 1942 she married Edward Thorson at Tabor Lutheran Church. They operated a farm in Isabelle Township, where she worked by Ed?s side throughout her married life. Elaine was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and will always be remembered for her cheerful personality, strong faith, beautiful voice and devotion to her family. For over 61 years she was the organist at Tabor Lutheran Church, Bay City where her marvelous soprano voice filled the church with music. She also sang at weddings, funerals, Memorial Day services and other events. At Tabor, she served as a Sunday School teacher, president, vice president, treasurer and secretary of the Tabor?s LCW and Tabor?s coordinator for Thrivent (Lutheran Brotherhood). She also served on Isabelle Township election board for many years. She enjoyed gardening, and traveling with her two daughters. Survivors include her three children, DiAnne Eno of St.Louis Park, Minn., Gary (Nelly) Thorson of Bay City, Wis. and Jean (Mark) Blando of St. Louis, MO.; three grandchildren, Bonnie (Dylan) Michel of Lakeville, Minn., Katrina (Dave) Hanacek of Santa Barbara, Cal. and Kristina Vogt of Dousman, Wis. and one sister, Carol (Evan) Hallstrom of Red Wing. She was preceded in death by her husband in 1987, two brothers, Donald and Carl Robert Edquist and one grandson, Keith Thorson Janish. Funeral will be 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, 2006 at Tabor Lutheran Church of Bay City with Rev. Ruthann Holm officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Kip Edquist, Fred Stumpf, David Hallstrom, Randy Hartl, Bruce and John Albarado. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, March 3, 2006 at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel and at the church for one hour prior to the services. Memorials are preferred to the Tabor Lutheran Church. The family wishes to thank Fairview Red Wing Hospice for their care and compassion.