Ardie Thorson

Ardie Oliver Thorson, 87, of Page, ND, died Thursday, November 18, 2010, at the Good Samaritan Center in Arthur, ND. Ardie was born January 7, 1923 on the family farm in Broadlawn Township, Steele County, North Dakota. He was the son of John and Minnie (Pederson) Thorson. He attended Broadlawn #4 Elementary School and graduated from Page High School in May of 1940. Ardie attended the University of Minnesota (St. Paul Campus) and was a member of the U of M boxing team. He was also a golden glove boxer at the NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND. After the death of his father in 1949, Ardie returned to the family farm. Ardie would farm in the summers and work various jobs in Fargo, Minneapolis and California during the winters. On February 17, 1955 he was united in marriage to Allene Sundet in Minneapolis. In 1964 they bought a house in Page where they made their home until health problems necessitated their move to a nursing home. Ardie retired from farming in 2000 and continued to help on the farm until this fall. Ardie loved playing all sports in school. His love of athletics continued after school by playing independent basketball and coaching and playing independent baseball. He coached Little League baseball for several years in the Page community. His greatest entertainment was to watch young kids play sports. He was involved in the Boy Scouts of America serving as a scout leader for many years. He served on the Page City Park Board, Page Volunteer Fire Department and was a member of the Page Community Club. Ardie’s family meant the world to him. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Allene, a resident of Elim Nursing Home, Fargo, ND; a daughter Nancy (Duane) Thorson, Marine, MN; two sons, Howard (Paulette), Fargo, ND and Marvin (JoAnn), Page, ND; seven grandchildren, Alec and Evan Johnson, Amy and Karley Thorson and John, Matthew and Andrew Thorson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Jennie Haakenson. Visitation: Will be from 4-6 pm on Sunday with a 6 pm public prayer service at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Page, ND and will resume one hour prior to the funeral service. Funeral: 2:00 pm Monday, November 22, 2010 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Page, ND Burial: Clifford City Cemetery in Clifford, ND.