Maxine Thoreson

Maxine Thoreson, 92, went to be with her Heavenly Father after passing away peacefully at Seasons Hospice on All Saint's Sunday, November 5, 2023. Maxine was a believer in Jesus Christ and the gift of everlasting life so we have the assurance of where she is spending eternity.

Maxine was born December 13,1930 to Gena and Benhart Paulson in rural Alvarado, Minnesota. She was the seventh of eight children and was the last surviving member of the family. Maxine's family was quarantined with diphtheria for 6 months when she was five which was rough being a farmer and couldn't sell your grain, eggs, cream, milk or beef, but Maxine gives credit to her parents for keeping a positive attitude through the ordeal. Maxine attended Moorhead State Teacher's College and taught in a one room schoolhouse in northern MN. She also taught in Havre, Montana and West Fargo, ND. Later she attended Winona State to further her degree and taught in Rochester Public School system #535 for 18 years as a classroom educator and media specialist.

She met her future husband, Orland, on a blind date and they married in 1952. In June of 2022, they celebrated 70 years of marriage before Orland passed away weeks later. They lived their married life in Climax, Mn, Moorhead, MN, Hawaii, Wahpeton, ND, Battle Lake, MN and Albert Lea, MN with the majority of their married life in Rochester. They raised three daughters, Renee, Christie, and Norine. In Maxine's words, "Their heartbreaking and saddest thing happened to them when their precious daughter, Norine Kay, lost her life in a ski accident February 23, 1974. Their faith in God carried them through this tragic time but they never forgot Norine or the joy she brought to them in her short twelve and a half years on earth."

They enjoyed summer family vacations in the station wagon traveling out west and camping.

They opened their home to numerous relatives and friends who were patients at Mayo Clinic. Later, Maxine and Orland would travel in their RV and spend winters in Arizona, Texas, and Florida. Other travels included Norway, Egypt, the Holy Lands, Mexico, and several European countries. Maxine was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Circle Bible Study, and ADK Sorority for Women Educators. She served as a Girl Scout leader for many years. and enjoyed Sons of Norway.

Being a grandma and great grandma was one of her greatest joys. Memories of grandma are swimming in the creek, grandparent camp, classroom gingerbread houses and Laura Ingalls Wilder presentations, friends who also called her grandma, motorhome trips with the treasure box, book collections, endless amounts of food and late night card games.

Maxine is survived by her daughters Renee Thoreson, and Christie Meier (Phil); her grandchildren Seth Meier (Holly), Anna Svennungsen (Kyle), and Anders Meier (Molly); great grandchildren Clara Meier, Isla Meier, Odin Svennungsen, Espen Svennungsen, Magnus Svennungsen, Penny Meier, Trygve Meier, Leif Meier; brother-in-law Leon Thoreson; and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by husband Orland Thoreson; daughter Norine Thoreson; her sisters and brothers; great grand-daughter CC Meier; and her parents.

The Thoreson family wants to thank the Seasons Hospice staff for their most loving end of life care for this beloved mother, grandmother and "GG grandma". In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the charity of your choice.

The Celebration of Life will be Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 10:00am at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 2124 Viola Road NE, Rochester, MN. Visitation will begin at 9:30am prior to the service. There will be a private family burial at Oakwood Cemetery.