David Thoreson

David “Lindy” Thoreson, 93, a resident of Fergus Falls and long time automobile dealer and business man, died Friday, November 20, 2009, at the Pioneer Retirement Community in Fergus Falls. He was born August 16, 1916, in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, the son of Rev. Hans M. and Martha K. (Thyse) Thoresen. He was baptized March 11, 1917, at the United Lutheran Church in Elbow Lake, and was confirmed at the Sverdrup Lutheran Church in Underwood. Lindy’s first years were spent in Elbow Lake and Underwood, where his father, Rev. Thoreson, served the churches. At age nine the family moved to Fergus Falls. Lindy attended the Park Region Academy from grade school through graduation. His business career began when he joined Flynn Olson to operate the Ford Garage. Later he owned and operated Riverside Motors. This business was interrupted January 19, 1942, when he entered the U. S. Navy during World War II. He was a SK First Class, and was stationed in several Naval stations in the U.S. before he served with the Fleet Air Wing 15, Hedron 9-1, in the North African Campaign. On June 3, 1942, Lindy and Harriet King were married in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Harriet lived in Fergus Falls while Lindy completed his service obligation. He received his honorable discharge from the Navy September 5, 1945, and Fergus Falls became home once again. In 1945 Lindy opened Thoreson Motor Company at the corner of Lincoln and Union Avenues. In 1949 he built the M & H Station and Diner on Washington and Cascade, operating it until he sold it in 1954. He then sold vehicles independently until his retirement in 1975. Preceding him in death were his parents; his loving wife, Harriet, on August 26, 2002; his sister, Dorothy Dillerud and brother-in-law Elder Dillerud. He is survived by a daughter, Linda Thoreson of Portland, Oregon, as well as several nieces and nephews. Memorials are preferred to the Pioneer Retirement Community building fund. Visitation:  3-5 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church Funeral Service:  10:30 a.m. Wednesday, November 25, 2009 at First Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls Clergy:  Reverend Roger Hanson, Reverend Matt Philaya, and Chaplain Harry Olson Interment:  Bethlehem Cemetery, Fergus Falls Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com