Ordale Thronson, age 92, of Gary, MN, died Wednesday, September 30, 2015, in Twin Valley Living Center, Twin Valley.

Ordale Herbert Thronson was born May 30, 1923, the son of Carl and Sophie (Ellingson) Thronson at his parents' home in Waukon Township near Gary, Minnesota. He grew up with his family in the Lockhart, Green Meadow, and Gary communities graduating from Gary High School. In June of 1944, Ordale entered the United States Navy, serving his country on the Pacific Theater on the destroyer, USS Massey. After his honorable discharge, Ordale returned to the Gary area. On June 21, 1951, Ordale was united in marriage to Ardis Stoen at Ness Lutheran Church near Gary. The couple made their home east of Gary for a short time before moving into Gary where they raised their two sons, Myron and Jerry. Over the years, Ordale was employed at the local grocery store, the Gary Creamery, Ada Creamery before taking the position as manager of the Gary Creamery. He was manager of Gary Ag Services until the mid-1970's, then worked for Land-O-Lakes at the Thief River Falls feed plant for a time before being employed for the Fertile Fertilizer Plant. To end his working career, Ordale accepted a position with the Norman County Highway Department for several years.

In the mid-1990's, Ordale and Ardis moved into the Valley Pines Apartments in Twin Valley. Ardis died May 9, 2000 and Ordale continued to live in Twin Valley. On October 15, 2005, Ordale was united in marriage to Margie Bengtson at the Gary Lutheran Church. The couple had made their home in Gary since that time.

Ordale's favorite pastimes included woodworking, traveling, and visiting with friends over a cup of coffee. He was also known to do volunteer driving as well as helping out area farmers after his retirement. In his younger years, Ordale served his community on the City Council, Gary Fire Department, was an active member of Gary Lutheran Church, was a charter member of the Gary Lions and the Gary American Legion.

Ordale is survived by his wife, Margie of Gary, MN; sons, Myron (Sandy) of Moorhead, MN and Jerome of Fargo, ND; brother, Allen (Shirley) Thronson of Ada, MN; sisters, Eunice (Lloyd) Gunderson of Detroit Lakes, MN and Marilyn (Donald) Svenby of Kasson, MN; four grandchildren and one great-grandchild; a step-daughter, Muriel Bateson of Gary, MN; step-sons: Bruce (Alva) Hemmingson of Coon Rapids, MN, Wayne Hemmingson of Gary, MN and Stuart (Kathy) Hemmingson of Eagan, MN, and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Ardis, his parents and a granddaughter, Katie Ann.


Funeral Services were held Monday, October 5, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. in Gary Lutheran Church, Gary. Visitation was one hour before services at the church. Officiating was Pastor John Ahola with music provided by Alden Anderson. Pallbearers were Kyle Thronson, Kristopher Thronson, Kody Thronson, Kasey Thronson, Wayne Hemmingson and Kelly Thronson. Military honors were provided by the Gary American Legion Post #505 and the United States Navy Honor Guard.

Interment was in St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gary.