Shirley Thorson

Shirley Thorson, age 91, of Milbank, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at Avantara-Milbank.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at American Lutheran Church in Milbank. Rev. Justin Neugebauer will officiate Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the church on Friday, one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Milbank City Cemetery.

Shirley Yvonne Williamson Thorson was born on December 8, 1931, in Ortonville, MN. She was the daughter of Gilbert and Serene (Sigdestad) Williamson. As an infant, Shirley moved with her family to Bristol, SD. Shirley attended school in Bristol and graduated from Bristol High School. She was united in marriage with Neil Thorson on November 2, 1957, in Bristol.

Following their marriage, they made their home in Aberdeen, Redfield, Watertown, and in 1965 made their final moved to Milbank. They were blessed with four children: Kristi, Kraig, Mark, and DeeAnn.

Shirley worked at the Grant County Court House for many years as deputy auditor. She was a faithful member of the American Lutheran Church and volunteered when she was able. She enjoyed reading and flower gardening. She had a collection of angels and was a dedicated member of the Makocha Study Club for many years. Shirley was a proud member of the Red Hatters and a former Girl Scout leader. She and Neil enjoyed playing cards and were members of a card club. She loved music and enjoyed singing with the Milbank Chorales.   Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

Shirley is survived by her husband of 65 years, Neil Thorson of Milbank, SD; daughter, Kristi (Kevin) Bunting of Milbank, SD; sons: Kraig (Joan) Thorson of Olathe, KS; and Mark Thorson of Champaign, IL; son-in-law, Dale Johnson of Ankeny, IA; ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren; siblings: Lyle (Julie) Williamson of Palm Desert, CA; Ginny Carter of Van Nuys, CA; and Sharon Majeske of Webster, SD.

She was preceded in death by her parents: Gilbert and Serene; daughter, DeeAnn; infant grandson, Corey Johnson; brother, Gary Williamson; and sister, Karla Baker.