Anna Thorness

Anna Teoline Thorness, 95, a resident of Braham, Minnesota and formerly of Fergus Falls, died Tuesday, October 28, 2008, at her home. She was born July 23, 1913 in Tumuli Township of Otter Tail County, the daughter of Andrew and Turi (Ronningen) Holte. She was baptized at Rock Prairie Lutheran Church on August 24, 1913. Anna attended Ten Mile Lake School District 139 and in 1923 her family moved to Fergus Falls where she went to Park Region Model School through the eighth grade. She was in the last Norwegian class to be confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in 1927. The family moved back to their farm in Tumuli Township in 1927 and Anna stayed home and worked on the farm. Her mother passed away in 1930 and Anna helped raise her younger siblings. On January 24, 1943, Anna was united in marriage to Erwin Thorness at the Thorness family farm. They lived on and worked one of the farms for Erwin’s mother until 1945 when they purchased their own farm in Aastad Township. In 1965 they sold their farm and moved to Fergus Falls. After moving to Fergus Falls, Anna worked as a waitress until retiring in 1982. Anna, motivated by the love of Christ, genuinely cared about people. She was never too busy to lend a helping hand, whether it be babysitting or helping family or a neighbor in need. In 1982 she was recognized by the Daily Journal as a Star in Fergus Falls, a Minnesota Star City, for her contributions. Anna was a living example of how God wants all of us to live our lives in service to others. Erwin passed away on September 23, 1988. Anna was a Senior Citizen volunteer in the Fourth Grade class at McKinley School. She continued to live in their home until moving to live with her daughter and son-in-law in Stanchfield, Minnesota in 2002. In May of 2003 she became a resident of Park Manor Apartments in Braham, Minnesota. Anna loved children and especially enjoyed the time she spent with her great-grandkids. Anna was a longtime member of the Aastad Lutheran Church where she was a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Aastad Ladies Aid. Anna enjoyed quilting and made many quilts for family members, as well as many that were sent to missions through her church. Preceding her in death were her son, Thomas; her husband, Erwin; three sisters, Amanda Haarstad, Marie Christianson and Mabel Fronning; and three brothers, Elmer Holte, Martin Holte and Henry Holte. Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Emily and James Knudtson of Stanchfield; two granddaughters, Tanya (Craig) Lundeen of Richfield and Tina (Jack) Lanhart of Braham; four great-grandchildren, Bryce, Ryan, Megan and Adam; a brother, Nobel Holte of Fergus Falls; two sisters-in-law, Viola Thorness and Adeline Holte of Fergus Falls; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation:  4-7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home with a 7 p.m. prayer service, and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service:  11 a.m. Saturday at Aastad Lutheran Church, rural Fergus Falls Clergy:   Reverend Richard Chronis Interment:   Aastad Lutheran Cemetery, rural Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com