Suzie Thorson

In Memoriam: Avis Elizabeth “Suzie” Quanrud Thorson October 6, 1934 – February 1, 2026

Suzie Thorson, 91, of Grand Forks, North Dakota, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at her home at Edgewood Grand Forks, with her family by her side.

Suzie was born on October 6, 1934, in Mekinock, North Dakota, to Lawrence and Mary (Jorde) Quanrud. She graduated from Central High School in Grand Forks in 1952 and from the University of North Dakota in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Education and Early Childhood Development. During her time at UND, she was an active member of Alpha Phi sorority, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime.

While still in high school, Suzie was introduced to the love of her life, Lyle, by her friend and co-worker, Vonnie Thorson (Lyle’s sister). Lyle and Suzie were married on September 17, 1955, at United Lutheran Church in Grand Forks and shared 68 wonderful years of marriage built on faith, family, humor, and quiet devotion.

Suzie was a wonderful mom and proud grandma, and nothing brought her more happiness than being there for her kids and grandkids. She never needed the spotlight - whether it was a game, a recital, a birthday, or just an ordinary day, she showed up quietly and faithfully, making each of us feel like we were her greatest joy.

Suzie dedicated much of her working life to United Day Nursery. She began her career there as a teacher in 1972 and retired as the director in 1998. Following the devastating Grand Forks flood of 1997, Suzie quietly led the nursery’s recovery - securing a temporary location, reuniting staff, obtaining grants, and restoring the program to its home at United Lutheran Church, stronger than ever. She poured her heart into nurturing and educating young children and mentoring staff members, leaving a lasting impact on countless families.

Her faith was central to her life. Suzie was a devoted and active member of United Lutheran Church, where she served as ULCW president and Sunday school director and generously shared her time and talents through numerous committees. Her steady leadership and servant heart were gifts to her church community.

For the last three and a half years of her life, Suzie was welcomed into her second family at Edgewood Memory Care in Grand Forks. Affectionately known as “Suzie Q,” “Snoozy,” or simply “Suzie,” she was deeply loved by fellow residents, nurses, office staff, and CNAs alike. The care, kindness, and compassion shown to her made Edgewood not just a place to live, but a true home. Her family is forever grateful for the love and support that made her final years full and meaningful.

Suzie showed her love in quiet ways - through home-cooked meals where she served everyone else before herself, through afternoons spent picking up grandchildren from school, and through the many small family moments that became treasured memories. She was humble and never one to call attention to herself, but her gentle humor and quiet laughter filled every room. She loved visiting and giggling with her sisters and delighted in simple treats like ice cream bars, Claudette’s pickles, and her faithful half cup of coffee.

Suzie will be remembered for her warm heart, gentle spirit, and the way she made everyone around her feel cared for and included. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched.

Suzie is survived by her three children: Jared (Chris) Thorson of Kenosha, WI; Rod (Marlys) Thorson of Elk River, MN; and Jana (Charlie) Makovsky of Grand Forks, ND; her five grandchildren, Courtney (Ben) Brocker, Brianna (Peter) Thome, Benjamin (Mallory) Thorson, Madison Makovsky, and Tyler (Francesca) Thorson; and her three great-grandchildren, Everleigh and Esme Brocker, and Parker Thome.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lyle; her parents, Lawrence and Mary; her brothers, Thomas and Morris; and her sisters, Harriet, Hazel, Aldora, and Lorna.

A service to remember and celebrate Suzie’s life will be held Friday, February 6, 2026, at 11:00 am at United Lutheran Church, 324 Chestnut Street, Grand Forks, ND. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service, with a light lunch to follow. Arrangements are by Amundson Funeral Home. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed on the United Lutheran Church Facebook page.

Special thanks to Ethos Home Health Care & Hospice and Edgewood Memory Care for the guidance, compassion, and care they have provided.

The family requests that memorial donations be directed to Ethos Home Health Care & Hospice, United Day Nursery, or United Lutheran Church.