Vernon Thoreson

Vernon R. Thoreson, 101, Grand Forks, ND, died Saturday, June 9, 2012 in Altru Hospital, Grand Forks. Vernon Richard Thoreson was born May 6, 1911 in Ramsey County, North Dakota to Thorfin and Christine (Gunerud) Thoreson. He graduated from Churchs Ferry High School. Vernon Thoreson and Amy Marie Anderson were united in marriage in Nelson County, North Dakota. They lived in Devils Lake, North Dakota until moving to Grand Forks in 1935. Vernon served in the US Navy in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. He managed the Luxury Ice Cream Shop in Grand Forks and was later employed by Sweet Clover Dairy. He became warehouse foreman for Gamble Robinson Store in Grand Forks, a position he held until he retired in 1972. He moved to Santa Maria, California in 1976, and returned to Grand Forks in 1996, spending winters in Mesa, Arizona. Vernon is survived by a son, Dale (Veronica) Thoreson, Grand Forks, a daughter, Gaylene (Jack) Wavra, Grand Forks; 5 grandchildren, Rodney Thoreson, Twin Valley, MN, Diana Thoreson, Las Vegas, Nevada, Jon (Kathleen) Wavra, Dallas, Texas, Roberta Wavra, Grand Forks, Joni (Brad) Gaudry, Minto, North Dakota; 4 great-grandchildren, Justina, Jay, Jaclyn, Marie; one great-great grandson, Quentin; a brother, Don (Kaye) Thoreson, Seattle, Washington; a sister, Elaine (Don) Anderson, Tacoma, Washington. He was preceded in death by his wife Amy who died in 1971, grandchildren, Mark Wavra and Susan Thoreson a great-grandson Chad Rice, and brothers, Ray and Merlin. Memorial Services: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2012 in Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42nd St., Grand Forks. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. Interment will be in Memorial Park North Cemetery, Grand Forks.