Ferne E. Thorson, 94, West Fargo, ND, formerly of Ada, MN, passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021 at Sheyenne Crossings Care Center, under the care of Ethos Hospice, in West Fargo.
Ferne was born February 28, 1927 to Peter and Gertrude (Finney) Stennes in Hendrum, MN. She graduated from Hendrum High School and Moorhead State Teacher’s College. After graduation she taught in New Folden, MN.
On June 18, 1950, Ferne married Lowell Thorson at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Hendrum, where they lived for several years. Ferne was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, participating in Circle, Ladies Aid, and directing the church choir while Lowell accompanied.
Ferne, Lowell, and their daughter, Dawn moved to Ada, MN in August, 1967. Ferne belonged to community groups such as Minnada Study Club and American Legion Auxiliary. She and Lowell were devoted members of Grace Lutheran Church. Ferne attended GLCW, was an active Circle member, and once again Ferne and Lowell were the director and accompanist of the church choir.
Ferne loved visiting with friends and family. Any community activity or family event she could attend, she was there chattering away and wearing her big smile. After moving to Fargo due to declining health she tried to keep up with what was going on in Ada by calling her Friday morning breakfast group, reading the Index, or asking Dawn if she had heard any Ada news. She was thrilled to be included in the 90 Year-olds Birthday Party given by a group of Ada friends four years ago. Ferne’s love for her family was very strong. She cared deeply for each of them and beamed from ear to ear whenever she saw them in person or saw a picture. She loved to hear about their latest adventures. When she could be part of a family gathering, especially at the lake, she sat back and watched the entire goings on. Her positive, loving nature, strong determination, and huge smile will be her legacy to all who knew her.
Ferne is survived by her daughter, Dawn (Bruce) Benson of West Fargo; grandchildren, Kristopher (Nicole) Benson, Gretta (Chad) Johnson, and Marni (Andrew) Moch. She also has seven great-grandchildren, Aiden and Isaiah Benson, Chase and Aubrey Johnson, and Brooks, Hudson, and Archer Moch.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lowell; and her brothers, Owen and Harley Stennes.
Memorials preferred to: Ethos Home Care & Hospice, 3361 45th Street South, Suite 100, Fargo, ND 58104.
Funeral: 11:00 AM, Friday, May 14, 2021 at Grace Lutheran Church, Ada, MN, following all of the Minnesota and CDC COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. All must wear a mask to attend.
Visitation: Two hours before the funeral at the church.
Interment: Ada Municipal Cemetery, Ada, MN.
