Charles Thorstad, 62, died Monday, June 23, 2008 at the VA Medical Center, Fargo, ND.

Funeral services will be 10:30 am, Friday, June 27, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service, Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Bob Dahlen officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery, Thief River Falls, MN.

Visitation will be from 5-8 on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM. 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, MN. 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, MN. They lived in several places, including Fertile, MN, Hamilton, MT, Austin, MN, 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 3 daughters, Mechelle (Dan) Posner, Bemidji, MN, Franny Fran Spears, Thief River Falls, MN, Melissa Thorstad, San Antonio, TX, 6 grandchildren, Zachary Posner, Rachael Posner, Camille Posner, Hannah Sehlstrom, Nicholas Sehlstrom, Andrew Spears, one sister, Kathy Thorstad, Thief River Falls, two brothers, David Thorstad, Lengby, MN, and Jesse Jr, Bud Thorstad, Olympia, WA, nieces, nephews, and several friends.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, and several half brothers and sisters.


CASKETBEARERS: Don Adamson, Jeff Lanoye Sr., Jeff Lanoye Jr., Chris Larson, Doyle Olson, David Thorstad
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Steve Lappegaard
MILITARY HONORS: American Legion & VFW
SPECIAL TAPED MUSIC: I Read The Back Of The Book, I Know Who Holds Tomorrow, He Looked Beyond My Faults