Viola Thorness

Viola Josephine Thorness, 97, of Fergus Falls, died Friday, April 27, 2012, at the Broen Home in Fergus Falls. She was born February 16, 1915, in Aastad Township of Otter Tail County, Minnesota, the daughter of Emil and Anna (Sanden) Nelson. She was baptized and confirmed at Aastad Lutheran Church. She grew up on the family farm and attended country school. On March 24, 1934, she married Michael Thorness at the church parsonage. They made their home in the Aastad area where they farmed and raised their family. She was a lifelong member of Aastad Lutheran Church where she participated in Ladies Aid. Viola enjoyed sewing, quilting, crocheting, fishing, baking, and also bowled for many years. Spending time with her grandchildren always brought her much joy. Preceding her in death were her parents, her husband, her son, Merle, brothers, Harry, Erwin, Jim and Victor, and sisters, Evelyn, and Hilda in infancy. Survivors include her daughter, Arlene (Arlan) Weiss of Erhard; grandchildren: Vickie (Bill) Demblon of Glendale, AZ, Connie (Keith) Rutherford of Glendale, AZ, Holly (Joe Stenger) Weiss of Fergus Falls, and Bonita Henry of Minneapolis; great-grandchildren: Danielle and James Rutherford, and Nick (Amber)Thorness; a great-great-granddaughter, Autumn Thorness; a sister, Verna Braaten of Watford City, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home and resumes one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 2, 2012, at Aastad Lutheran Church, rural Fergus Falls Clergy: Reverend Dan Cole Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls is in charge of the arrangements.