Thelma Louise Thorson (Karns)

Thelma Louise Karns Thorson passed away Sunday, April 19, 2020 at MidMichigan Medical Center in West Branch, MI. She was 97 years young. Thelma was born October 30, 1922 in Lincoln, Illinois to Hayward James (HJ) and Mary Margaret Carr Karns (Margie). She is the last surviving member of her siblings, HJ Karns Jr., Ruth Wood, Earl Karns, and Leslie Karns.

She is survived by her children who will miss her happy, positive, and generous spirit: David (Janice Krasa) Thorson, Susan Thorson Williams (Geoffrey), Nancy Thorson (Mike Rogers) and son-in-law, Dale Kurtz. She leaves her 7 grandsons and 3 granddaughters-in-law to cherish her memory, Brian (Kristy Hyde) Thorson, Matthew (Amanda Maystead) Williams, Aaron West, Thomas Williams, Kyle West, Rand West, Joseph Kurtz and Maria Millie Lugo Cardona. 3 Great Grandchildren will carry on her loving legacy, Isabella Cecelia West Lugo (precious girl), Cal Jacob Thorson (I love you sweetheart) and Jack David Thorson (Sweetheart's birthday buddy).  Aunt Thelma will be lovingly remembered by her sister-in-law, Deloris Karns, nieces and nephews, Patricia (Patsy) Ferguson, Cora Jean (Corky) Ramos, Jo Ann and Mike Andrews, Justin Andrews, Mary Grace Andrews, Kelly and Travis Romero, Brody Romero, baby Romero, Scotty Thorson, Jenn and David Sober, Kari Alyson Sober, Sara and Ryan Capach, baby Capach, Connie Saal, Susanna Hoffman, Joshua Miller, Donna Ott Berlin (Donna Lee), Jackie Karns, Dawn Henderliter and Leslie Karns.

Thelma also leaves many friends and was a light in everyone's lives. She enjoyed her children's friends and she was Grammy to all of their children.  Thelma was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Jackson, MI for 44 years and is still remembered and loved by her church family. Her smile and laugh were infectious.

2 CORINTHIANS 1:3,4
Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God.

Thelma will be reunited with her husband of 49 years, Raymond Glen Thorson, her beloved daughter, Kerry Thorson Kurtz, her infant son, Brian David Thorson, her parents, her siblings, and her in-laws.

Thelma resided at The Brook of West Branch for the past 4 years. She resided formerly in Jackson, Saginaw, and Bay City, MI. Thelma was the happiest resident at the Brook. She loved and appreciated the beautiful people that took such great care of her. And they were beautiful, because Thelma told them they were.  Thelma was a wonderful, sweet lady full of love, joy and laughter and gave us decades of memories. She loved bingo, puzzle books, casino trips, cruises, and travelling with her family to Florida, California, Hawaii and a special trip to Norway with David, Jan and Brian. Mom loved ice cream and enjoyed eating out, especially at the Tipsy Bear in West Branch with her favorite waitress, Mary.
Mostly she loved her 7 grandsons; attending their hockey games, baseball games, soccer and football games, plays, concerts, graduations and anything they participated in. Her house was filled with noise and the backyard filled with activity. She accompanied several grandsons to the Emergency Room. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and birthday celebrations were epic. She was the coolest Grandma ever.

A private, graveside service will be held in Jackson, Michigan with a Memorial Service to be held at a later date. Internment at Roseland Memorial Gardens.

Thelma's family is very grateful for Jacqueline Schiermyer and her team at The Brook of West Branch for the excellent care and love she received during her time there.

Those wishing to make contributions may do so to:
The Brook of West Branch, 646 Court St. West Branch, MI 48661 or
Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1505 W Michigan Ave, Jackson, MI 49202

Please celebrate our mom's life with a hot fudge sundae or a treat from Dairy Queen.  Our hearts are broken, but our mom is at peace.

Desnoyer Funeral Home - Family owned for 130 years