Alice Thorson

Alice Thorson, age 92, a resident of Pelican Rapids, Minnesota, died Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Pelican Valley Nursing Home in Pelican Rapids.Alice Kathleen Onsum was born August 7, 1917, one of 6 children of Carl and Kaija (Johnesson) Onsum whose Norwegian immigrant parents homesteaded northwest of Pelican Rapids.She attended District 26 (Holen School) where she learned to speak English.She was baptized and confirmed at Ringsaker Lutheran Church, (later became Trinity).Alice married Bennie Thorson in 1938. They farmed northwestof Pelican Rapids until 1951. She and her husband became caretakers of Dunn's Resort where she also cooked for the dining hall in the summer time. They moved to town in 1954.She was a cook at Swan Drug for 19 years, retiring in 1986.Bennie preceded her in death in 1986.Shortly after retirement, her husband passed away and Alice became a volunteer in several organizations.Alice was named the "Sweetheart of the Year" for her devotion and caring at the Good Samaritan Home.Active in the Senior Citizens Center, she rolled many lefse for "Lefse Day".Her cooking skills were well known and enjoyed by family and friends, especially her Scandinavian baked goodies.Alice enjoyed playing cards, taking walks, long rides in the country, Sunday night with Lawrence Welk, coffee time, and gardening, but most of all time with her ever growing family.She is survived by two daughters: Mavis Horgeshimer of Bemidji, MN, and Anita (Larry) Martinson of Brainerd, MN; two sons: Bruce (RoJean) Thorson and Robin (Crystal) Thorson, both of Pelican Rapids; 17 grandchildren;44 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; brother, Carlton Onsum of Pelican Rapids, MN; sister, Eleanor Opsahl of Rothsay, MN; and many nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband, Bennie; two brothers:Marvin Onsum and Kenneth Onsum; one sister, Bernice Pederson; two grandchildren: Gregory Senn and Michael Senn; and son-in-law,Bud Horgeshimer.Blessed Be The Memory Of Alice Thorson