Michael "Mike" Thorstad

Michael James Thorstad was born on September 4, 1943, in St. Paul, Minnesota the son of Mike and Naomi (Crusen) Thorstad. He grew up in Morris, Minnesota and graduated from Morris High School where he played on the basketball team. Mike then attended Wahpeton Technical College. After receiving his Degree he worked for the Morris Tribune.

On July 22nd of 1972, Mike was united in marriage to Penny Easter. To this marriage two children were born. Mike and Penny lived in Morris until the mid 1970’s when they moved to Alexandria where he worked for Viking Sporting Goods and later purchased the company. After owning and running the sporting goods store, he sold it and started working as a manager of Midwest Vision Center in Alexandria. His last and favorite job of 23 years was being a driver for UPS. He enjoyed being physically active and being able to interact with all the people he delivered to.

In retirement, Mike enjoyed volunteering for the food shelf every Wednesday for many years and drove the church bus for First Lutheran’s elderly on Sunday mornings. He also was very active in the Salvation Army in ringing the bell and recruiting people to ring.

All his life Mike enjoyed golfing. He spent many hours with good friends on the course. Mike was a fanatic about his yard. He will be remembered as a kind, funny, compassionate man who was a dedicated husband, dad and papa.

Mike died on Sunday, April 6, 2025, with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife, Penny; son, Trent & wife, Patty; daughter, Michele & significant other, Travis; grandchildren: Brock, Quaid, Stella, Landon and Lexy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two grandchildren: Angel and Gabriel Thorstad; sister.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with a visitation one hour prior to the service.