Lillian Bertha Markuson was born March 29, 1908, on the Family Farm near Goodridge, MN, the daughter of John and Bertha (Munson) Markuson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith in Goodridge and attended school in Goodridge.

Lillian was united in marriage to Alfred Thoreson in 1927. The couple lived on a farm near Highlanding and in 1948 they moved to a resettlement house, east of Highlanding, where they lived and farmed their entire lives. After their children were grown, she worked for Carlsons Bakery in Thief River Falls for many years. She and Alfred, in later years lived summers on the farm and winters in Thief River Falls. Lillian and Alfred were married for 61 years. Lillian lived at Valley Home for three years and for the last 2 years has lived at CNC.

She enjoyed being a mother, entertaining guests, gardening, baking, cooking, and making everything around the house nice. Lillian had a great sense of humor, was a very smart lady and loved to laugh. She had a heart of gold, loved to care and help people and was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

She was a member of Ekelund Lutheran Church and was very active in its Ladies Aid.

Lillian is survived by two children: Marlys Chamberlain (Butch Norlund), Minneapolis, MN and Donna Puro (Ken Gervais), Thief River Falls, MN; four grandchildren: Debbie (Jim) Danielson, Doreen Peace, Darwin (Cheryl) Thoreson and Shane (Terry) Puro, all Minneapolis, MN; nine great grandchildren: Allison, Alisa and April, Crystal, John and Jodi, Tyler and Andrea and Rachel; two great-great grandchildren: Thomas and Michael; several nieces and nephews and special friend, Dorie Souto, Thief River Falls, MN.

She was preceded in death by husband, Alfred in 1988; one son, Loren Thoreson in February of 1968; one daughter, Ardith in infancy; one granddaughter, Dawn Thoreson and brothers and sisters: Josie, Charlotte, Christine, Julian, Mary, Arnie, John, Mabel, Gladys,Alice and Magnas in infancy.