Lenora Christine Thomas

Lenora Christine Thomas, 93, passed away at Johanna Shores in Arden Hills, MN, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday December 3, 2025, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Selz, ND, with burial to follow in St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 2, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Hertz Funeral Home in Harvey, ND.

Lenora was born on the family farm near Wellsburg, ND, on May 2, 1932, to Katherine and Sebastian Thomas. She attended rural country school before continuing her education at Maddock High School in Maddock, ND. In 1950, she began her career with the Great Northern Railroad, which later became part of the Burlington Northern Railroad. She worked as a depot agent in several small towns across North Dakota before relocating to Minneapolis, following the consolidation of the train dispatchers' offices. Lenora served as an agent telegrapher until her retirement in 1993, concluding what she considered some of her most enjoyable years.

Lenora met her late husband, Kermit Thoreson, while working at Burlington Northern in Minneapolis. They married in 1981 and enjoyed their retirement years as snowbirds, spending summers in Spicer, MN, and winters in Mesa, AZ.

She was a true spitfire-funny, bold, and always ready for a long, lively conversation. She loved to talk, to laugh, and to connect with everyone around her. Though she never had children of her own, she made every niece, nephew, and child in the family feel like the most special person in the world. She rode bikes with the kids, hopped on trains to visit, and stayed actively involved in every part of their lives.

Lenora's vibrant spirit, endless stories, and unwavering love made her a treasured part of the family. Her voice, her warmth, and her presence will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

Lenora is survived by her sister, Helen (Howard) Schmid of Oberon, ND, as well as her beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, stepchildren, and step-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Katherine and Sebastian Thomas; husband, Kermit Thoreson; brothers, August, Victor, and Delanis; and sisters, Luella Heilman and Ann Gumeringer.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Johanna Shores, Arden Hills' Local Hospice Program, and Hertz Funeral Homes for their compassionate care and exceptional service.