Marge Thorsness

Marge Thorsness, 72, Jamestown, ND died Friday, November 17, 2006 at her home. Marge Koestler was born July 11, 1934 on a farm north of Tappen, North Dakota to Adam and Margaret (Craft) Koestler. The family moved into Tappen when a storm went through the area taking most of the farm buildings. Marge received her education in Tappen, graduating in 1952. She married Marvin Thorsness and they lived on the Sid Thorsness farm where Marvin was employed. They purchased the Edwin Carmer farm in 1955 and raised five sons. She was active in church, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir and was a member of the ladies aid. Marvin passed away in July 1977, Wade and Marjorie moved to Jamestown in June 1979. Marge married Eugene Olafson in 1985. She loved to go camping, mostly in North Dakota, but also enjoyed many trips to the grandchildren's basketball games in Minnesota and Oregon. Over the years she was a teacher's Aide, secretary at an insurance firm, managed a thrift shop, sold appliances and furniture and retired from a construction company as an office manager in 2000.

She is survived by her husband, Gene Olafson, Jamestown; four sons, Brian (Jackie) Thorsness, Corvallis, Ore., David (Bev) Thorsness, Foley, MN, Bruce (Shannon) Thorsness, Foley, MN and Wade Thorsness, Fargo, ND; eleven grandchildren, Kelly, Kyle, Kayla, Michelle, Alison, Matt, Jared, Jenna, Ryan, Crystal and Orin; one step-son, Clinton Olafson, Jamestown; two step-daughters, Valerie (Lee) Johnson, Beulah, ND and Sheila (Kevin) Lagodinski, Fargo, ND; nine step-grandchildren, four step-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; one sister, Bev (Clem) Kokkeler, Bismarck, ND and one brother, Chuck (Joan) Koestler, Stewartsville, MN.

She was preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Marvin, one son and one sister.

Memorial Service: 2:00 PM, Tuesday, November 21, 2006 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Tappen, North Dakota with Rev. William Russow, officiating.

Prayer Service: 7:00 PM, Monday, November 20 at St. John's Lutheran Church, Tappen.

Burial: Fisher Cemetery, Tappen, North Dakota.

Memorials preferred to Red River Valley Hospice, Valley City and Fargo or St. John's Lutheran Church, Tappen, North Dakota.

Sign online guestbook at eddyfuneralhome.com.