Lawrence Tharaldson

Lawrence “Lorny” Tharaldson, 97, Fargo, ND died on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at Bethany on 42nd, Fargo.

Lawrence Arnold Tharaldson was born March 15, 1920 in Reynolds, ND to Thomas and Clara (Rude) Tharaldson.  The family moved to Fargo when Lorny was 7 years old, he attended Fargo Public schools through the 9th grade.  Lorny met Joyce Johnson in Fargo; they were married May 17th, 1941 in Webster, SD. Shortly after they were married, Lorny joined the Army and served 3 years during World War II in Eastern Europe. Lorny was a salesman for various companies in the Fargo area until he purchased the Terminal Tavern which they renamed Lorny’s. He ran the bar, with Joyce by his side, until he chose to retire at age 58.

Lorny hunted and fished his whole life. He was an avid trap shooter, winning many awards including being named in the North Dakota Trap Shooting Hall of Fame. At age 60, Lorny took up golf which he played regularly for the next 20 years including a “hole in one” which he was quite proud of.   Lorny and Joyce travelled world-wide with many trips overseas and regular stops in Las Vegas and Kansas. His passion for travel and visiting family and friends continued well into his nineties with Bonnie and Chuck after Joyce’s death. Lorny loved to visit Wichita to spend time with Debbie, Gerald, Lauren Joy, Stacie and Jaden.  He was pleased to see his grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up including attending graduations. Lorny was thrilled to have been able to make Lauren Joy’s college graduation, attend Garrett and Matthew’s basketball games with Mike and Bonnie and have special visits with Stacie and Jaden.

Lorny is survived by his daughters, Bonnie (Chuck) Thompson and Debbie Tharaldson (Gerald, deceased); grandchildren, Mike (Bonnie)Thompson, Stacie Lim (Shane Tonn) and Lauren Joy Graves; great grandchildren, Garrett Thompson, Matthew Thompson and Jaden Lim; and his sister Dorothy Krogen.

Lorny was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, a daughter Sandra Lee Ann, his parents and 7 siblings.

Special thanks to Bonnie Hoy-Thompson, Jane Grindberg and Melissa Barenthsen for the amazing kindness and care to Lorny in his later years.

Memorials preferred to be given to Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Funeral: Saturday, March 17, 2018 at 11 AM at Messiah Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND with visitation one hour prior.

Burial: Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

​westfuneralhome.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lawrence Tharaldson, please visit our floral store.