Lillian Thorn

Northview - North Mankato Mortuary 2060 Commerce Drive North Mankato, MN 56003 507-388-2288 Lillian Thorn Lillian Thorn, age 93 of North Mankato, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at Monarch Meadows, North Mankato. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at Grace Lutheran Church, Mankato with Rev. Dr. Scott E. Olson officiating. A visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at Northview - North Mankato Mortuary, 2060 Commerce Drive, and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery. Lillian Louise (Farm) Thorn was born on May 9, 1921 in Mankato, MN to Walter and Hazel (Johnson) Farm. She was baptized by Rev. O. J. Arthur at the Swedish Lutheran Church in rural North Mankato in June 1921 and was confirmed in May 1935 by Rev. Victor Bech at Grace Lutheran, Mankato. She attended rural school at district 21. Lillian was one of the few remaining members who can claim the distinction of having attended Belgrade Lutheran Church. It was built by the Swedish immigrants in 1872. That congregation became part of Grace Lutheran Church, Mankato in 1928. Lillian graduated from Teacher's College high school in 1938. She married Raymond Thorn on May 10, 1941 at Grace Lutheran Church. They lived on rural farms in St. Peter and St. James before returning to home territory on a farm near St. Peter. They celebrated their 50th anniversary May of 1991. Ray passed away in November of 1991. Lillian continued to live at the farm until June 2003, when she moved to Mankato. Lillian was proud of her Swedish heritage. She and Ray made three trips to Sweden to visit their relatives there. Many of them have made the return visit to the U.S.A. Many of the traditional foods were enjoyed, especially Swedish meatballs and lutefisk at Christmas time. Lillian worked at the Fanny Farmer candy shop on So. Front Street for several years. Later she worked as a nurses' aid at ISJ Hospital in Mankato. She enjoyed gardening, trips up north in their camper, baking, and reading. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were very special to her and she treasured the many happy occasions with them. She is survived by her children and their families, Ray (Bev) Thorn and children, Pam (Chad) Fitterer, Paula (Kip) Hartman, Tricia (Chris) Vanjoke; Brad Thorn and children, Alexa and Connor; Gloria (Duane) Hubmer and children, Michelle (Kevin) Larsen, Melissa (Tom) Herman and Marcus (Melissa) Hubmer; Dan Thorn; GayAnn (Jeff) Gurtaner and children, Travis Preston and Amanda Preston; brother, Donald (Esther) Farm; sister, Arlaine Jones; and 9 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Robert (Ginny) Farm; brother-in-law, Erve Jones; and granddaughter, Michelle Larson.