Barron Thorson

Barron Henry Thorson, age 84, passed away peacefully at Cornerstone Nursing Home in Bagley, MN, on March 26, 2025.
Barron was born in Fosston, MN, and raised in Leonard, MN, the son of Ervin and Helma (Hagen) Thorson. In his teenage years, he drove a gravel truck for his brother Maynard to earn some money. He graduated from Bagley High School in 1958 and joined the Merchant Marines, sailing the Great Lakes. He later worked in the logging camps and began hauling cattle before eventually buying out Ted Berglund and David Nordlund and creating his own trucking company, Thorson Trucking.
In 1963, Barron married the love of his life, Julie (Stenberg) Thorson. They had many happy years together bowling, square dancing, and just enjoying each other's company until her passing in 2000. He was a devoted father, immensely proud of his three sons and their accomplishments.
Barron cherished the simple joys in life-fixing trucks, spending time in the garage, and watching sports (Go Vikings!). He also enjoyed fishing in Canada with the boys, hunting, war movies, game shows, curling, and golf. Casinos were a favorite getaway, and he loved his trips to Las Vegas, Elko, and Laughlin, Nevada. During his time at Cornerstone, he took pleasure in resident activities, especially bingo, pool noodle hockey, arts and crafts, and card games-always keeping track of his wins.
Those who knew Barron will remember him for his honesty, integrity, kind-hearted spirit, and his Jamaica hat. His welcoming smile and positive energy endeared him to all. He formed lasting friendships and found joy in the company of family, and his two extended families, the Side Track Tap crew and the Stenberg family.
Barron is survived by his three sons, Steve (Dawn) Thorson, Ryan (Amy) Thorson, and Trent (Alison) Thorson; 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Renee Engebretson, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ervin and Helma Thorson, his siblings Maynard, Bradley, and Sandra, and his beloved wife, Julie.
A memorial service will be held at Cease Family Funeral Home in Bagley on Friday, April 4th with a visitation at 2:00 and the service at 3:00 with a reception to follow.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Cornerstone Nursing Home for their care and kindness.