Leonard Thorston

Leonard Thorston, 96, of Apple Valley and formerly of Springfield, died on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2018, at Ecumen Seasons at Golden Valley in Apple Valley.

Visitation will be on Friday, Feb. 16, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Sundown Lutheran Church, Sundown Township. 

Memorial Service will be held in the Sundown Lutheran Church, Sundown Township, at 1:00 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, with the Rev. Juanita Parker and the Rev. Daniel Megorden officiating.  Interment will be in the Sundown Lutheran Cemetery.  Military Honors by the John Watson American Legion Post 257.  

Leonard Thorston was born on March 16, in Springfield, Brown County, Minnesota, the son of John and Mayme (Coulter) Thorston. He attended Sundown School, Lamberton High School and graduated from Springfield High School. In August 1942 Leonard enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served until December 1945  as Photographer’s Mate Second Class. Following discharge from the Navy, Leonard returned to the family farm. Leonard married Eileen Kotval on Sept. 20, 1947. They lived and farmed the Thorston Family Century Farm in Sundown Township, Redwood County, until retiring and moving from the farm into Springfield in 1990. 

Leonard was preceded in death by two brothers and four sisters; son, David; and wife, Eileen.  He is survived by daughters, Audrey (Rusty) Nelson of Minneapolis, Jane (Jim) Sletten of Edina, Mary (Daniel) Megorden of Mesa, Brenda (Donald) Hunter of Farmington, and Donna (Andrew) Rauch of Shoreview; 13 grandchildren, Karla (Ross) and Erik Nelson, David (Beth) and Tanya Sletten, Jessica (Brian) Ommen, Laura and Micah Megorden, Allison, Jon (Amanda) and Sarah Hunter, Nettie, Tommy and Hannah Rauch and four great-grandchildren, Anton, Elling, and Tosten Nelson and Presley Ommen.

Leonard was active in many community organizations including Sundown Lutheran Church, Sundown Township Board, Springfield Farmers Cooperative Elevator board of directors, and the Springfield American Legion Post. He was a league bowler at the Springfield Lanes most of his life. He was most passionate about his family and loved being Grandpa.

The family has designated memorials to the Sundown Lutheran Church Cemetery Foundation, or Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota.

Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Springfield. On line condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.