Terry Thorstensen
September 20, 1952 ~ January 26, 2016
Terry Lee Thorstensen, of Fargo, passed gracefully to his heavenly home, on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, at the Palliative Care Unit of Essentia Health, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 63.
Terry was born on September 20, 1952 in Fargo, ND to Hank and Lena (Heil) Thorstensen. He graduated from Fargo North High School in 1971. He joined the US Navy in 1972 and was stationed in San Diego, CA on the USS Sperry. Following an honorable discharge, he attended Moorhead Technical College and Moorhead State University. He worked at Frontier Airlines for seven years in Laramie, WY; Ann Arbor, MI; Rockford, IL; and Sioux Falls, SD. In 1988, he began his career with NSP/Xcel Energy in Fargo.
He married his high school sweetheart, Judy Leingang on November 17, 1973. Together they raised on son, Nicholas Lee Hank Thorstensen.
Terry was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Fargo, serving as President of the Parish Council from 2003-2005. He was a proud member of the Thursday Night Hawley Hackers at the Hawley Golf Course.
In his extended family he will fondly be remembered as the “Number One Son-In-Law”, his contagious laugh, his trademark moustache, and for instigating the annual brothers-in-law golf tournament. Terry wanted to be remembered as a good man who always tried his best, and in his next time around he can and will do better! Anchors Away!
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Judy; son, Nicholas, Detroit, MI; brother, Brian (Jen) of Colorado Springs, CO; sister, June Norman of Montevideo, MN; six sisters-in-law: Rita (Don) Kenna, Grand Forks, ND; Cindy Leingang, Aneta, ND; Mary (Howard) Kenna, Little Falls, MN; Patty (David) Desharnais; Connie (Mark) Ostern; and Nancy Leingang (Jim Melting), all of Fargo; one brother-in-law, Chris Leingang of San Diego, CA; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and his mother and father-in-law, Albina and Christian Leingang, and his grandparents: John and Catherine (Piatz) Heil; and Thor and Anna (Hansen) Thorstensen.
Visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Sunday, January 31st, with a prayer service to follow at 7PM, at Boulger Funeral Home, Fargo. Visitation will continue from noon to 1:00 on Monday, February 1st, at Messiah Lutheran Church, Fargo, with the funeral to follow at 1:00. A private interment will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date. Online guestbook at www.boulgerfuneralhome.com
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Judy and family we are so very sorry to hear of Terry passing away. Please know our prayers are with you. I hope to be able to come to the funeral.
Mark & Bina
Terry and Judy, I am a better man having shared your friendship. Terry I am honoured and privileged to have served our country along side you. Anchors away my friend.
Judy & Nick: Joan and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences on your loss. We will keep you in our prayers.
Sending love and prayers to all of your from your IA family.
Love Kathy and family.
The Knox’s have many fond memories of growing up on 12th street and all the adventures we managed to find ourselves in, both good and bad. It won’t be the same knowing Terry is gone. We will keep all of you in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy& family; So sorry for your loss. Always at a loss for the right words, just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. Terry was an amazing man. He was so kind and thoughtful. He will be missed.
As our shipmate, Don Kinslow already said, Anchors Aweigh my friend, Terry. You were thoughtful, funny, kind, quick with a joke, even quicker with a smile, a big laugh or an attaboy for just about everyone. Loyal and fearless simultaneously gentle and supportive. I’m so sorry for your loss, Judy and Nick. Terry was one of the best men I’ve ever known. We’ll all miss him, thank God for the memories.
My deepest sympathy on the loss of a lovely man. Terry was a gentle giant, always quick to laugh and smile and so very kind. He loved his family dearly. I know that Paul welcomed him Home with open arms.
Mary Knox Johnson was right, our little 12th street group of kids had so much fun together back in the 50s and 60s and Terry was always there with his little brother Brian right behind him. I loved babysitting those two boys because they were absolutely no trouble whatsoever, two sweet boys who grew up to be good, honest, warm-hearted men. Lena raised a couple of winners, no doubt about that.
I’m so sorry for your loss Judy and Nick and rest assured, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judy and family,
Craig and I are so sorry about your loss of Terry. Please know you are in our prayers. Terry was a great friend and husband and he will be missed so much!
Melda and Craig
Judy and Family, I was so saddened when Don told me the news of Terry’s death. You folks have been prayed for a long time. I hope the support of family and friends gets you past the rough moments. I will continue to pray for comfort and understanding.
This Thursday Night ‘Hacker’ will miss my buddy.
Judy, we are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Judy,
I am so sorry to hear about Terry, my deepest sympathy to you and Nicholas.
Judy and Nick,
I am sorry to hear of Terry’s passing. You have our prayers and condolences.
Very saddened to read of Terry’s death. I enjoyed getting to know him while we were on council. Always a smile, never a bad word about anyone. Thoughts and prayers are with you, Judy and Nick.
When I first saw Terry’s name in the death notices, I was hoping it was just a similar name and not my Fargo North classmate. I was so sad to see that it was Terry. Enjoyed visiting with him at reunions as we were in many classes together. When I called the gas company to talk about running a gas line for a new furnace, it was Terry I spoke to. Spent more time catching up on classmates than gas lines. As we plan our 45th Fargo North Class of 71 Reunion on Aug 5 this summer, Terry will be greatly missed. We will honor him as we do departed classmates we wish were in attendance. Best to the family for the loss of a great guy.
My thoughts and prays are with you all. The old 12 St neighborhood was so long ago, but the fond memories remain.
Thank You for being such wonderful neighbor. I appreciate everything you have done for my family. I already miss you . Rod Tyson
Terry great guy we were both in navy at same time plus classmates from north high.. turns out terry was on sub tender USS SPERRY my sisters husband was Lt. Com. On ship w Terry I was st. In hawaii. Bill had told me terry was on board.. he always had great smile.great guy….Mike Daugherty mpls /Atlanta….