Harriet Jean Thorson

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/RoNui0zeAHQ 

Harriet J. Thorson, 100 of Grand Forks, North Dakota died Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at Valley Senior Living, Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Harriet was born on May 30, 1926, the daughter of Harold and Louise (Porter) Baldauf in Pontiac, Michigan. She was raised and educated in Pontiac. Harriet met her husband, Playford Thorson II, while working as a secretary in the admissions department at the University of New Mexico. They were married on June 24, 1950, in Pontiac, Michigan.

Shortly, after their marriage they moved to Sweden, where Playford worked on his dissertation and Harriet worked as a secretary at the US Embassy. They eventually moved to Minneapolis and to Grand Forks in 1960. Harriet became a stay at home mom to raise their five sons. She was the foundation for her family, as a loving wife and mother. Throughout the years, she volunteered extensively in the Grand Forks area.

Throughout the years Harriet volunteered in the Grand Forks with meals on wheels, the university art museum and as an election worker. She was also involved in numerous clubs. These include the UND faculty wives, PEO and the Franklin Club. She was also a devoted member of the Christian Science church in Grand Forks.

Harriet enjoyed reading, knitting, gardening and playing the piano. She loved to cook and made many wonderful meals for her family.

Harriet is survived by her sons, Erik (Samantha) Thorson of Caledonia, WI, Jeffery Thorson of Grand Forks, ND, Brad Thorson of Grand Forks, ND and Philip Thorson of Vero Beach, FL; five grandchildren, Katie (Ronald Jr.) Martinez, Andrew (Ashley) Thorson, Grace (Andrew Krikelas) Wick, Michael Thorson and Adam Thorson; five great grandchildren, Charlotte, Henry, Xavier, Liam and Balian.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Playford Thorson II (20120, son, Playford Thorson III and sister, Dawn White.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Amundson Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Amundson Funeral Home.