Helen Thorstad

Helen Arlene Madsen, daughter of Ole and Hazel (Lilenthal) Madsen, was born January 20, 1935 in Herman, Minnesota. The family moved to Morris, where she grew up and attended and graduated from Morris High School. On February 25, 1956, she was united in marriage to Merald Thorstad. Following their marriage the couple lived and farmed in the Morris area. To this union three children were born, Bruce, Gerald and Nancy.

Helen was a member of First Lutheran Church in Morris, where she had taught Sunday school and Confirmation classes. She was also a member of the Extension Homemakers Club and the Prairie Pioneers Camping Club. She enjoyed camping, jigsaw puzzles, collecting elephants, playing cards and playing games with her grandchildren. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with her family and friends.

Helen died on Sunday, November 9, 2008 at the Douglas County Hospital in Alexandria, MN, after a battle with cancer. She lived to reach the age of 73 years.

She is survived by her husband: Merald Thorstad of Morris; three children: Bruce (Kathy) Thorstad of Morris, Gerald Thorstad (and Tammy Ehrp) of Morris and Nancy (Raymond) Pansch of Graceville; 12 grandchildren: Jamie Thorstad, Gerald Thorstad, Jr, Jessie (Tina Evans) Thorstad, Justin (Kelly) Howe, Jason Thorstad, Jacob Thorstad, Leah Thorstad, Matthew Thorstad, Melanie Thorstad, Amy (John) Steimann , Ryan (Katie) Pansch and Kyle Pansch; four great-grandchildren: Chance, Ethan, Dalton and Cole; one brother: Kenneth Madsen of Elmhurst, IL; two sisters-in-law: Ardis (Maurice) Dosdall of Paynesville and Marlys (Harold) Charles of Hancock and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; one infant granddaughter: Sally Ann Pansch; one brother: Donald Madsen and one sister-in-law: Mary Madsen.

Serving as pallbearers for the service are: Jamie Thorstad, Gerald Thorstad, Jr, Jessie Thorstad, Justin Howe, Ryan Pansch, Kyle Pansch, Matthew Thorstad and John Steimann. Honorary pallbearers are Helen’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Deb Mahoney will serve as organist for the service with Reed Peterson serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.