Yvonne Kay Thomas, 73, Mentor, MN, passed away on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 at Riverview Hospital in Crookston, MN after a 2-1/2 year courageous cancer battle. Yvonne was born on October 9, 1948 to Earl and Verona (Ellingworth) Kragness. She was raised with her sister and 3 brothers in Halstad, MN in the house where her grandparents had once lived. There, many wonderful family meals and memories were shared for generations.
Yvonne was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith at Halstad Lutheran Church. She graduated from Halstad High School in 1966 and attended Interstate Business College, Fargo, ND.
She married Timothy A. Magnuson, of Hendrum, MN in 1969 at Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN. They started their marriage living in Duluth, MN and later on a farm near Halstad before settling in Hillsboro, ND to raise their two boys: Jason Lee and Jeremy Brant. Her boys were the center of her world, and she was an amazing mother and caregiver to them.
While living in Hillsboro, Yvonne worked for a time at The Needleworks for her sister, Carole, where she enjoyed making many crafts related to needlepoint, knitting, and macrame. She made several afghan blankets for family and friends. She created a small business of her own making flower arrangements for special occasions as well as working for a time at Rick’s Jack and Jill grocery store.
After raising her children, she made her home in Fargo, ND where she spent a 24-year career with Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND. During those years she developed a close-knit friendship with several girlfriends. This group of women became a cherished source of strength and support for Yvonne.
A missing piece of Yvonne’s heart was filled in 1994 when she was able to reconnect with her daughter, Patricia (Patty) Monilaws. It was easy to see the connection. Patty has the same brilliant smile as Yvonne. The two developed a very close and heartfelt bond.
Yvonne married Karl Thomas at Maple Lake in 2010, gaining 2 step children: Jay and Toni. Together, they spent their retirement years enjoying their lake home and wintering in Texas. They shared numerous memories of pontooning, campfires, singing, and laughter with friends and neighbors.
Yvonne will be remembered for many things to many people. She could light up the room with just her beautiful smile and had an infectious laugh that was certainly a Kragness trait. Her positive attitude carried her through many of life’s challenges and made a strong, positive impact on all around her. Yvonne was a wonderful cook and baker. We will all miss “Yvonne’s lefse.” She loved making crafts of all kinds for her home, family, and friends. Week-long summer trips to a lake resort over the years created many great memories with her family.
Yvonne is survived by her husband, Karl Thomas; children, Patty (Tom) Monilaws, Absaraka, ND, Jason (Sandy) Magnuson, West Fargo, ND, Jeremy (Janet) Magnuson, Hillsboro, ND, Jay Thomas (special friend Jen), Spooner, WI, and Toni (Mark) Wosick, Glyndon, MN; grandchildren, Matthew, Megan, Alanis, Arica, Paige, Hanna, Paige, Crystal, Parker, Phoenix, Bryce, and Chandler; one great-grandchild, Hunter; siblings, Carole Larson, Grand Forks, ND, David (Janice) Kragness, Warroad, MN, and Ron (Julie) Kragness, Mentor, MN. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews, family, and friends who have benefited, beyond words, from the great experiences they shared together. Yvonne is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Verona Kragness; brother, Rick Kragness; grandparents, Olaf and Sevrena (Brekke) Kragness; and grandparents, Jesse and Clara (Hovland) Ellingworth.
Celebration of Life Service: 3:00 PM, Friday, May 27, 2022 at Halstad Lutheran Church, Halstad, MN.
Visitation: One hour before the celebration service at the church.
Inurnment: Halstad South Cemetery, Halstad, MN. (At a later date.)
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.fredriksonfh.com
Arrangements with Fredrikson-Ganje Funeral Homes
Ada & Halstad, Minnesota
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