Wayne Thorson

Wayne Thorson, age 84, passed away Monday, July 28, 2025. A memorial service will be held at 1 PM on Friday, August 15, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. A visitation will be held one hour prior to service at the church. Burial to follow will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorials are to be sent to Freeborn County Humane Society.

Wayne Thorson was born in Scarville, Iowa on March 28, 1941, to Herman and Laura (Dahlum) Thorson. He grew up in Lake Mills, IA and graduated from Lake Mills public schools. After graduating high school, he attended Hamilton Business College in Mason City, Ia.

Wayne loved to reminisce about his first job of breaking horses. His most favorite memory was breaking an appaloosa stallion named “Chief Hawkeye Little Brave.” That horse went on to become the 1959 Midwest Grand Champion. Later, Wayne would join the Army where he served for three years and was stationed in Germany driving trucks before joining the Air Force Reserves and retiring after 20 years of service. After his service in the army, Wayne began working as an accountant for a meat packing plant. After leaving the plant, he owned an antique store named “Antiques of the Midwest.” On November 27, 1987, he was united in marriage to Judy Wayne Anderson of Albert Lea. The couple made their home in Albert Lea until the time of his death. Upon his death, Wayne generously donated his body to Life Source for research.

Wayne was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. He was also a member of the American Legion, the Eagles Club, and the Senior Center. He was an avid Minnesota Vikings and Twins fan. In his free time, he played pool, chess, and cards (especially 500) with friends and family. He loved going to rummage sales and enjoyed buying and selling whatever treasures he would come across. He wrote several letters to the editor and enjoyed a good political debate. His greatest love was taking care of Judy and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Judy; children, Paul (Misty) Thorson, Dionne (Mike) Billat, Lori (Jeff) Linde, stepchildren; Lisa (Dean) Dahl, Lora Sipple, Jeffery Anderson; brother, Arlin (Pat) Thorson; sisters, Mary (Keith) Farland, Phyllis (Dennis) Carnes; 15 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Wayne is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Steven Thorson, and his sister, Patricia (Duane) Ranum.

Wayne was Greatly loved and will be deeply missed.