Florence J. Thronson

HOUSTON, MINN. - Florence J. Thronson died Sunday, March 22, 2009 in St. Paul, MN at the home of her daughter after a short hospice stay. Florence was born on September 22, 1935 in Boscobel, WI to Irma (Heins) and Ernest Johnson. She grew up on the family farm on Sunny Ridge near Mount Zion, WI. Florence was confirmed at Luther Memorial Church in Gays Mills, WI. Florence spent her elementary school years in a one-room schoolhouse near her family's farm. A proficient student, she was only 16 years old when she graduated from Gays Mills High School in 1952. She graduated from the Wisconsin State College, LaCrosse (now UW-L). with an English teaching degree in 1956. She supported herself through college by working as a waitress, a maid, a nanny in Minocqua and Milwaukee during the summers. Her first job as a teacher brought her to Houston, Minnesota in the fall of 1956 when she was just twenty years old. In Houston, Florence met a local boy, Daniel Thronson. They were married on August 2, 1958 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Boscobel. Daniel worked for the Minnesota Department of Transportation until his retirement in 1984. Florence stopped teaching after the birth of their daughter, Jodean, in 1964, however, she loved staying in touch with her former students, including those who participated in the speech competitions she coached and the one-act plays she directed in Houston. Florence's strong faith and her love of learning were her basis for community service. She was an active member of the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston for over forty years. She was a member of the church council, president of the women's group, Bible study circle member, and Sunday school teacher. Florence helped to establish the church library and later served on the board of the Houston Public Library.Daniel died in July 1994. Florence continued her life in Houston with her many friends. She especially enjoyed the company of her sisters in law. Her greatest joy was being a grandmother to her "special little girls," Isabel and Noelle. The three of them shared a special bond. Florence is survived by her daughter Jody, her favorite son-in-law John and their daughters Isabel (age 10) and Noelle (age 8) of St. Paul; her sisters - Carol Wallin of Boscobel, WI; Dorothy (LeRoy) Lathrop of Fullerton, CA; and Marilyn (Bill) Holliday of Boscobel, WI; her brothers - Raymond (Phyllis) Johnson of Portage, WI and Eldon (Doris) Johnson of Baraboo WI; her sisters-in-law - Audrey Engrav, Marjorie Poppe and Lylah (Harold) Cruze of Houston and Norma Muenkel of Kasson, MN. Florence was a proud aunt of many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel and her parents.There will be a memorial service for Florence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 28, at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Houston with the Rev. Louise Stromberg officiating. Burial will be in the Stone Church Cemetery in Houston. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Hoff Funeral Homes - Houston Chapel, and one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church.Please leave a memory of Florence and sign her online guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com
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