Thomas Wayne “Tom” Thoreson, 1948 - 2026

THORESON, RUDE, LAURITSEN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 7/10/2026 at 12:46:11

Onawa Democrat
8 July 2026

Thomas Wayne “Tom” Thoreson, 78, of Lone Tree, Iowa, proud of his Norwegian heritage and deeply devoted to his family, died June 21, 2026. He was born February 1, 1948, in Ute, Iowa, the son of Clifford Evenson Thoreson and Anna Marie (Rude) Thoreson, and was raised on the original family homestead south of Soldier, Iowa.

After graduating from East Monona High School in Moorhead, Iowa, Tom spent a year working at Iowa Beef Packers and Wilson Trailer Company before enlisting in the United States Air Force. He served as a veterinary technician, inspecting food in Grand Forks, North Dakota, for three years and in Fargo, North Dakota, for one year, taking pride in doing his part to care for those who served.

In 1969, Tom married Carolyn Lauritsen of Moorhead, Iowa. While Tom was in the Air Force, they made their home in Fisher, Minnesota, and Carolyn taught school in Crookston. Following his honorable discharge, the couple moved to Lone Tree, Iowa, where Carolyn accepted a teaching position and Tom attended the University of Iowa in Iowa City for three years as a business major.

In 1976, Tom launched his own construction company. During that season, he built a new house, bought a new car and a new pickup, and, with Carolyn, welcomed their daughter, Amanda Marie—an event he fondly marked with a characteristic “Uff da!” He built many homes in the area before the construction boom slowed, at which point he joined Sheller-Globe (now Lear Corporation) in Iowa City. There he spent more than 25 years helping produce interior components for the automotive industry, earning the respect of his coworkers for his steady, dependable work.

Tom and Carolyn later divorced in 1982, and she eventually made her home in Galesburg, Illinois. Their daughter Amanda married Brian Wilkinson, and they made their home in Winfield, Illinois. Tom was immensely proud of his family and often said that all his life had simply been “prep school” for being a grandpa. Becoming “Papa” to his granddaughters Emma Marie, Ashley Elaine, and Kathryn Anne was one of the greatest joys of his life.

Tom’s Norwegian roots were central to his identity. A descendant of Norwegian immigrants who homesteaded near Soldier, Iowa, he cherished the stories of his great-great-grandparents and the sacrifices they made to settle in the Midwest. He delighted in collecting Norwegian antiques and rosemaling pieces, turning his home into what he jokingly described as a “museum wannabe,” and he took special pride in being part of a long line of Norwegian farmers.

Tom was an outdoorsman at heart and a self-described naturalist and environmentalist. He enjoyed hiking, canoeing, and biking, and he kept a careful journal of the birds that visited his yard, especially during migration season. He loved trees and nature deeply, often reminding others of the gifts of creation and gently—sometimes not so gently—protesting any plans to cut down trees.

Music was another constant in Tom’s life. His favorite songs were the hymns from the old red Lutheran hymnal and the black one before that, but he also loved 1950s and 1960s rock and roll and the swing of Glenn Miller. Though he steadfastly refused to dance, insisting he was too busy enjoying the music to “break a sweat,” he found joy and comfort in song throughout his life.

Tom’s faith and sense of wonder shaped the way he saw the world. He resonated with the idea that “we are surrounded by love” and believed that the love of God could be seen in trees, birds, clouds, oceans, and baby’s smiles.

Tom is survived by his daughter, Amanda (Brian) Wilkinson of Winfield, Illinois; his beloved granddaughters, Emma Marie, Ashley Elaine, and Kathryn Anne; his sister, Carla Gries; and extended family in the United States and Norway. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Anna Marie Thoreson.

A celebration of life will be held at The Kirkwood Room, next to Lensing Funeral & Cremation Service, in Iowa City on Friday, July 31, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Soldier Lutheran South Country Church on Saturday, August 15, at 10:00 a.m.

Memorials may be directed to Soldier Lutheran Church., 223 Larre St., Box 66,. Soldier, Iowa 51572

Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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