Watch Sheriff Jeremy's Funeral Service - LIVE

Sheriff Jeremy Thornton, age 53, of Twin Valley, MN, passed away at his home under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley on Thursday, January 5, 2023.

Jeremy Allan Thornton, the son of Duane and Myrna (Underdahl) Thornton, was born on March 29, 1969, in Ada, MN. He was raised in the Twin Valley community where he attended school.  Jeremy was active in basketball and track at Twin Valley High School, where he held the high jump record for many years.  Following his graduation in 1987, Jeremy attended Northland Technical College in Thief River Falls, MN, to study law enforcement.  He began working as a police officer in Sargent County, ND.  Jeremy worked several years with the city of Foreman, ND, not only as their police officer but also assisting with garbage and snow removal duties.  During this time, he also policed weekends and special events for the City of Twin Valley.  In 1997, Jeremy proudly became a deputy for the Norman County Sheriff's Office and returned to his home area.  Jeremy lived in Flom, MN, for a time before purchasing his dream home south of Twin Valley.  In 2002, Jeremy was united in marriage to Angie Hettervig in Halstad, MN, and together they raised three amazing daughters.  In January of 2011, Jeremy was elected as the Sheriff of Norman County. He has honorably served as County Sheriff since that time, recently being re-elected in 2022.  Jeremy's dedication to justice and safety has been evident throughout his 30-year law enforcement career.  His passion to the residents of Norman County, his colleagues, his friends, and his beloved family was known by all.

Jeremy was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley where he served on the church council. He was very active in the lives of his daughters and a proud softball and basketball dad.  Jeremy would watch calmly from the stands, no matter how heated the competition.  As his girls grew up, Jeremy began the role of Grandpa and truly cherished his four grandsons.  Although their years together were short, Jeremy made many wonderful memories with the boys and tenderly held the newest grandson when he was born just 2 weeks ago. Jeremy enjoyed the Baja races, driving his Bobcat, working in his yard, and especially liked his annual role as a BBQ judge.  Jeremy loved food and his saltshaker was never far from his side. He also liked his treats, cookies, and drinking a good cup of coffee from the local gas stations while visiting with friends.  He was very handy and a talented woodworker.  He remodeled their home as well as built his shop from the ground up. Jeremy created a little piece of heaven for his family to call home. He also made gifts for family members and sold various wood crafts at local events.  Jeremy was never afraid of a challenge or hard work, and he leaves a legacy of powerful faith, solid ethics, and unending love.

Jeremy is survived by his wife, Angie of Twin Valley; daughters: Kate (Andy) Payne of West Fargo, ND, Paige (Sam) Babler of Ottertail, MN, and Madison Thornton of Twin Valley; four grandsons: Nolan, Myles, Otto, and Banks; his parents: Duane and Myrna of Twin Valley; three brothers: Garrett (Julie) of Twin Valley, Darin of Twin Valley, and Chad (Teresa) of Pelican Rapids, MN; aunts and uncles: Fred (LoAnn) Thornton, Dale (Terri) Thornton, Carol (Gary) Rosenau, Edna (Cliff) Kazeck, Pam (Charles) Gunnerson, and David (Sandy) Underdahl; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; uncles, Floyd and Mike; and a cousin; Tanya.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, from 4:00pm to 7:00pm, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley with a prayer service beginning at 7:00pm.  Funeral services will be held at the Ada Public School in Ada, MN on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, at 3:00pm, with a visitation 1 hour prior.