Carol Thoreson

Minot

Carol Kay Thoreson, 80, Minot, formerly of Voltaire, died Sunday, May 26, 2025, in a Grand Forks hospital surrounded by her daughters.

Carol was born April 8, 1945, the daughter of Lloyd and Agnes (Steig) Pfeilschiefter, in Minot. She was raised and educated southwest of Velva and graduated from Velva High School in 1963.

While growing up on the dairy farm, she shared the responsibility of milking the cows. Carol attended Minot State University, graduating with a secretarial degree in 1965.

Carol met the love of her life, Gordon Thoreson in 1962 and they were obliged to be in a long-distance relationship since he was drafted in the Army and stationed in Vietnam.

They were united in marriage on June 21, 1969, at Oak Valley Lutheran Church in Velva. They made their home in Voltaire.

Prior to starting their family, she was employed as a secretary at Art Gibbon’s Accounting and MaGee Law Firm.

Lastly, she worked at the N.D. Highway Patrol, which she absolutely loved and cherished all the fond memories that were made. She dedicated her time as a full-time farm wife and mother when their first daughter came along.

After the girls were active in school she worked part-time at the Voltaire Post Office. She later worked in the kitchen at the Velva School, until her stroke in 2001.

She was adored by all the children, especially the football team, which she was known for always giving extra food to when they were training.

Carol and Gordon moved to Velva in 2022 and then to Minot in 2023. Carol was a consultant with Mary Kay for forty years and enjoyed every minute of it. You could often find her bowling as she was part of a bowling league.

She was involved in the Early Bird Homemakers, Velva Guys & Gals 4-H club as a leader and a member of Sons of Norway. She was a life-time member of the Velva American Legion Auxiliary and Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary.

Carol enjoyed tending to her flower garden and the flowers she planted at the Velva American Legion.

Carol was known for volunteering in the community, Bingo at the American Legion, her gift of socializing and will be missed by all who shared in her life.

Carol’s loving family includes, her husband Gordon, Minot, children, Angela (Leo) Heilman, Voltaire and Dana (Chad Brunner) Thoreson, Minot, grandson Heath Heilman, Voltaire, brother Calvin (Diane) Pfeilschiefter, Velva, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents Bill (Barbara) Steig and Jacob (Cynthia) Pfeilschiefter, niece Tracy Thoreson along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Celebration of Life Service: 1 p.m., Monday, June 2, 2025, at Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva.

To view a recording of the service or share memories and condolences access her obituary at www.thomasfamilyfuneralhome.com

Interment: North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, rural Mandan, at a later date.

Visitation: Sunday, June 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. with a prayer service to follow at 5 p.m. in Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva.

Memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.

Published by The Minot Daily News, May 30, 2025.