Suzie Thorson, 91, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, at Edgewood Grand Forks with family by her side. Born October 6, 1934, in Mekinock, North Dakota, to Lawrence and Mary (Jorde) Quanrud, Suzie graduated from Central High School in 1952 and from the University of North Dakota in 1956 with degrees in Business Education and Early Childhood Development. She was a lifelong member of Alpha Phi. Introduced in high school by Vonnie Thorson, Suzie married the love of her life, Lyle, on September 17, 1955, at United Lutheran Church. They shared 68 years of marriage grounded in faith, family, humor, and quiet devotion.
Suzie was a devoted mother and proud grandmother and great-grandmother, who never sought the spotlight but faithfully showed up for every game, recital, birthday, and ordinary day, making each person feel like her greatest joy. She spent much of her career at United Day Nursery, serving as a teacher beginning in 1972 and as director until retiring in 1998. After the 1997 flood, she quietly led the nursery’s recovery – securing a temporary site, reuniting staff, obtaining grants, and restoring the program stronger than before. Her work touched countless children, families, and staff. Her faith guided her life. At United Lutheran Church, she served as ULCW president, Sunday School Director, and on many committees, offering steady leadership and a servant heart. For the past three and a half years, Suzie was lovingly cared for at Edgewood Memory Care, where she was known as “Suzie Q,” “Snoozy,” and simply “Suzie.” The kindness of residents and staff made it a true home. She showed her love in quiet ways – home-cooked meals served to others first, school pickups for grandchildren, laughter with her sisters, and simple joys like ice cream bars, Claudette’s pickles, and her faithful half-cup of coffee.
Suzie is survived by her children: Jared (Chris) Thorson of Kenosha, WI; Rod (Marlys) Thorson of Elk River, MN; and Jana (Charlie) Makovsky of Grand Forks, ND; her five grandchildren, Courtney (Ben) Brocker, Brianna (Peter) Thome, Benjamin (Mallory) Thorson, Madison Makovsky, and Tyler (Francesca) Thorson; and her three great-grandchildren, Everleigh and Esme Brocker, and Parker Thome.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; her parents, Lawrence and Mary; her brothers, Thomas and Morris; and her sisters, Harriet, Hazel, Aldora, and Lorna.
A service celebrating her life will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, with visitation one hour prior and a light lunch to follow. The service will be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page. Arrangements are by Amundson Funeral Home.
Special thanks to Ethos Home Health Care & Hospice and Edgewood Memory Care for the guidance, compassion, and care they have provided. Memorials may be directed to Ethos, United Day Nursery, or United Lutheran Church.