Theodore "Ted" Orville Thorson

Theodore Orville Thorson passed away September 13, 2026, at home in Rochester, MN.

He was born on March 19, 1930, in Albert Lea, MN, to Jens and Luvina (Walswick) Thorson. Ted graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science in agricultural engineering, after completing his service in the U.S. Navy. He married Janet "Jan" Margery (Westland) Thorson on January 10, 1959, at Hayward Lutheran Church. They lived in Benson and Caledonia, MN, before moving to Rochester in 1968. Ted worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service for 30 years, retiring in 1989. Ted found it hard to stay retired and worked part-time as a consulting engineer for various local firms for another 20 years.

Ted enjoyed woodworking, being a handyman about the home, including designing and serving as the prime contractor for an addition to their home, and traveling, especially to Branson, MO. He and Jan were active members of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and of the Rochester Woodcarvers Club. Ted was an avid wood carver, who attentively painted many pieces, along with chip carving wooden plates. Family was very important to Ted.

Survivors include sons, Randy (Lynette) of South St. Paul, MN, and Scott of St. Paul, MN; and daughter, Becky (Steve) Thorson-Randall of Neenah, WI; grandchildren: Shane Thorson and Amber (Nick) Monaghan; Benjamin Staebler and Katherine (Josh) Reel; and Josh and Grace Randall, and two great-grandchildren: Wesley and Lorelei Reel.

Ted was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet, his parents, his father- and mother-in-law, Thorvald and Valborg (Selstad) Westland, three sisters, Jennie Egaas, Eleanor Werness, and Jeanette Navratil, and two sisters-in-law and six brothers-in-law.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Friday, September 25, 2026, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Rochester (1212 12th Ave. NW). Visitation will be on Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 5-7 pm at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at the Hayward Cemetery in Hayward, MN.

The family would like to thank the nursing and caregiving members of Visiting Angels and the nursing team at Season's Hospice for the compassionate care they extended to Ted.

Memorials are suggested to Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Rochester, MN. Please designate the Imagine Beyond fund in Ted's memory.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Thorson family.