\"    Thief River Falls – Charles Thorstad, 62, died Monday, June 23, 2008 at the VA Medical Center, Fargo, N.D.
   Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 27,  at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, with Rev. Bob Dahlen officiating.   Casket bearers include Don Adamson, Jeff Lanoye Sr., Jeff Lanoye Jr., Chris Larson, Doyle Olson and David Thorstad. Steve Lappegaard will serve as honorary casket bearer. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion and VFW. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls.
     Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with a prayer service at 7 p.m. Visitation will also be held for one hour prior to the funeral service on Friday.
     Charles “Charlie” Michael Thorstad was born February 20, 1946 to Jesse and Hazel (Sorum) Thorstad in Thief River Falls. He grew up in Thief River Falls and attended Lincoln High School.    
     He served his country in the US Navy in 1964. He was united in marriage to Mary Lou Torvinen on October 23, 1965 in Little Norway Lutheran Church, in Fertile. They lived in several places, including Fertile, Hamilton, Mont., Austin, and settled in Thief River Falls.  
    He began working for the Soo Line Railroad in 1970. He was united in marriage to Janet Nelson on November 12, 1976. He was a brakeman/switchman for the Soo Line Railroad until his retirement in 2001.
     He was an avid gardener. He shared his produce with many people around the area. He loved to grow pumpkins for the kids for Halloween. He enjoyed the Statler Brothers. He enjoyed deer and partridge hunting. He loved to have a good time with his friends.
    He is survived by three daughters, Mechelle (Dan) Posner, Bemidji, Franny “Fran” Spears, Thief River Falls, and Melissa Thorstad, San Antonio, Texas; six grandchildren; one sister, Kathy Thorstad, Thief River Falls; two brothers, David Thorstad, Lengby and Jesse “Bud” Thorstad Jr., Olympia, Wash; as well as nieces, nephews, and several friends.
     Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, and several half brothers and sisters.   
    Funeral arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls. Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfun eralservice.com.       A00003B2008JN25

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