Mary Lou Thoreson

Mary Lou Thoreson, 92, passed away March 27, 2026, at White Pine Senior Living in Blaine, Minnesota. She was born June 22, 1933, in Montpelier, North Dakota, to Gerald and Katherine Beckerleg, who farmed in Marion and Akeley, Minnesota. After high school, she moved to Fargo and worked for the telephone company, where she met Harold Duane Thoreson. They were married July 23, 1955, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo and raised three children: Barb, Rick, and Jean.

Mary Lou treasured time with her family, from camping trips to holiday traditions at the lake. She loved sewing and crocheting, making dresses for her daughters and doilies and throws for family and friends. She also enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, and collecting recipes. She served as a 4-H leader and as a greeter and circle member at her church, and she cherished regular coffee visits with friends and neighbors.

After 40 years in Fargo, Mary Lou and Duane retired to their lake home near Vergas, Minnesota. She loved hosting family and friends at the lake, getting ice cream at “Ralph’s”, and going out to breakfast with Duane. They were married nearly 69 years, until his passing on July 5, 2024.

Mary Lou is survived by her children, Barb (Bob) Brockevelt, Rick (Sue) Thoreson, and Jean (Todd) Adams; her grandchildren, Joel (Kristene), Kate (Mitchell), Chris, Drew (Kyla), Ryan (Matthew), David, Mike, Kelly (Patrick), Meg, and Emma; her great-grandchildren, Chase, Maddie, Emery, Leighton, Kyndall, Liam, Ellie, Ronan, Piper, and Simon; and her brother-in-law, Lowell Thoreson (Audrey).

She was preceded in death by her husband; infant granddaughter Sarah; four brothers, Johnie (Evelyn), Homer (Elsie), Donald (Doris), and Charles (Alice) Beckerleg; four sisters, Dolores (Jack), Delaine (Joe), Gerry (Ed), and Thelma; and brother-in-law Don Thoreson (Mary Lou).

A celebration of Mary Lou’s life will be held Saturday, May 30, at 3:00 PM at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo, North Dakota, followed by interment at 5:00 PM at St. Mary of the Lakes in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

Memorials may be directed to Friends of the Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary, P.O. Box 3793, Minneapolis, MN 55403.