Lyle Thorson

In Memoriam: Lyle Gilman Thorson (July 12, 1934 - January 11, 2024)

Lyle Thorson, 89, of Grand Forks, ND, died Thursday, January 11, 2024 holding hands with Suzie, his beloved wife of 68 years, and surrounded by his family.  

Lyle Gilman Thorson was born on July 12, 1934 near Gary, Minnesota to Gilman and Eleanor (Everson) Thorson.  He attended Central High School in Grand Forks where he met his future wife, Suzie - and took her to a movie on their first date.  Lyle and Suzie were married on September 17, 1955 at United Lutheran Church.  In 1957, he was drafted into the US Army and was stationed at Fort Chaffee in Fort Smith, Arkansas - where he served as a Military Policeman and discovered that he had a knack for teaching.

After an honorable discharge from the Army in 1959, he worked part-time at Champion Tune Up while attending the University of North Dakota on the GI bill.  He graduated in May of 1964 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with an emphasis on Industrial Arts.  He earned his Master of Science degree in Education from UND in 1976.  

He began his teaching career at Central High School in 1964 - and moved to Red River High School when it opened in 1967 - where he developed and taught the Vocational Automotive Technology Program - and was known to generations of students as “Mr T”. 

After retiring from teaching in 1994, he kept busy by working as a dealer trade driver for Rydell Chevrolet, driving beet truck for Chuck Nelson Farms during the annual Sugar Beet campaign, working on his classic cars, and crafting exquisite canes and walking sticks from diamond willow in his backyard workshop.  But his favorite part of retirement was spending time with his family.

Lyle was a member of United Lutheran Church (where he served as church council president in 1979) and was a member of the American Legion.

Lyle is survived by his wife, Suzie, Grand Forks, ND; his three children, Jared (Chris) Thorson, Kenosha, WI, Rod (Marlys) Thorson, Elk River, MN, Jana (Charlie) Makovsky, Grand Forks, ND; his five grandchildren, Courtney (Ben) Brocker, Brianna (Peter) Thome, Benjamin Thorson, Madison Makovsky, and Tyler Thorson; and two great-grandchildren, Everleigh and Esme Brocker.  

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eleanor (Tiny) and Gilman Thorson; his sister, Evonne Reardon; and his nephew, Jay Theman.

A funeral service is scheduled for 11 am on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at United Lutheran Chuch, 324 Chestnut St, in Grand Forks, ND, with a visitation beginning at 10 am.  Arrangements by Amundson Funeral Home.  The service will be available via livestream on United Lutheran Church Facebook page for those unable to attend. 

Special thanks to Ethos Home Health Care & Hospice and Edgewood Assisted Living for the guidance and care they have provided during this difficult time.

Lyle requested that donations be directed to St Judes Children’s Research Hospital, Ethos Home Health Care & Hospice, or United Lutheran Church.