Marliss Ann Thorson

Marliss was born on April 14, 1929 in Cooperstown, ND, to parents Andrew Emmanuel Dahlbom and Ella (Olson) Dahlbom. She attended school in Cooperstown where she graduated as a National Honor Society member & graduation speaker in 1947.

She furthered her studies graduating with honors from Minneapolis Business College with an associate degree in 1948 while living with her Aunt Clara & Bob Dowling in St. Louis Park, MN. During her professional career over the next decade and a half, she lived in Minneapolis and worked at Munsingwear Company, and later in Elizabethtown & Louisville KY, where she worked at the Transportation Office of Fort Knox Depository as an Executive Assistant.

On July 18, 1964, Marliss married Gerald (Jerry) Gordon Thorson at Olivet Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota. The Thorson’s welcomed a son, David, on February 1, 1966. Marliss & Jerry lived in Fargo for 50 years. Both were active volunteers together at Olivet, El Zagal Shrine events, and many other people helping people causes. After Jerry’s death, Marliss divided time in Fargo or with David & his wife Rita and family in Minnesota, Iowa, and Colorado. She moved to Colorado full time during the Covid era and returned to Minnesota in 2021 with her son & family.

Her self-described “pride & joy,” David was the focus of her life as a Mother, serving as a Cub Scout Den Mother, school volunteer, athletic activity driver & fan for every season. She was a gracious host to all of her son’s friends over decades. Her home was their home, where pizza and cookies were plentiful. Her support of David from basketball player evolving to basketball coaching meant countless numbers of his players became “hers.” This spirited love overflowed from her to his teams in high school & college. She was every player’s favorite fan, inter-spliced with her basketball wisdom that free throws were “free” for a reason, so make sure you practice!

Grandma Marliss’s passion and pride grew exponentially with the birth of granddaughter Ella Ray, namesake of her own Mother, on February 12, 2008. Marliss was the best tea party partner, card and game playing friend, with a shared love of mashed potatoes and of course, athletic fan, culminating with Ella’s volleyball career in high school. Marliss had infinite pride and love for Ella. Those who knew Marliss well also understood how she valued her role as Grandmother to the family’s German Shorthair Pointers, first Blazer, her “Baby-pie“ who has already received treats in heaven from her, and surviving grand-dogs Moby & Willamina.

Even with her focus on family throughout her life, Marliss never missed the opportunity to help others. Her volunteer efforts, in particular as Wedding Coordinator, Circle Member, and Church Event Helper over six decades at Olivet Lutheran Church, touched the lives of everyone in the parish she cherished so much. Her spirituality never wavered, always focused on seeing the good in people and bringing joy and smiles to those around her. This positive energy extended to her personal friendship over a lifetime too, with so many special friends near and far that her Christmas card list became a major undertaking, often putting the mail service to the test!

During her final three years, Marliss had memory challenges, yet that never stopped her spirit of good feelings with new friendships of staff and fellow community members at the Shores of Lake Phalen, just as she had her entire life. To her final days, she made those around her feel special.

Surviving immediate family include David, Rita, and Ella Ray Thorson of Lake Elmo, MN. She was preceded in death by husband Jerry in 2004; her brother in law, Donald (Lois) Thorson; her sister in law, Roberta (Rich) Hoffies; survived by sister in law, Shirley (Karl) Williams. Also surviving is special cousin Julie Ims & family who always brought a sparkle to her eye.

Marliss Thorson’s impact as a Friend, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Family Member, Christian, and Volunteer will live on in all the people she touched. Her spirit of unconditional care spread to all she encountered. The Heavens now possess a new angel of love named Marliss.

Visitation is on Saturday, November 16 at 10 AM; funeral and lunch at 11AM hosted at Olivet Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND; burial at Cooperstown Cemetery at 2:30 PM. Memorials preferred to Olivet Lutheran Church in her memory.