Gerald James Thor

GERALD JAMES THOR, age 85, of Waseca passed away surrounded by family at his home on Saturday, December 9, 2023.

Born on May 13, 1938 in Mountain Lake, MN, Gerald was the son of Archie and Mabel (Johnson) Thor. He graduated from Comfrey High School. He then attended the University of Minnesota – St. Paul Campus for agriculture. Following his education, he returned home to Comfrey and took over the family farm. On April 6, 1963, he was united in marriage to Carol Dahl at Tracy Lutheran Church in Tracy, MN. They enjoyed sixty wonderful years together. He would claim, “Everything good that has happened was because of Carol”.

Gerald was a skilled craftsman. He created beautiful furniture and unique pieces for his family and churches. He showed his love to others by his acts of service. Whether he was a listening ear, problem solver, or handyman, Gerald was always someone to be counted on.  He was a faithful and humble servant of God where he would worship and serve at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Waseca. He was a loving husband, dedicated dad, grandpa, and papa who was cherished and will be dearly missed.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Carol Thor of Waseca; children, Mary (Jim) Schumann of Sauk Rapids, Nyla Hagen of Waseca, Kari Hyland of Waseca, Karl (Kristie) Thor of Prior Lake; grandchildren, Courtney (Evan) Leffler, Ryan (Colleen) Schumann, Hank Hagen, Joe Hagen, Ellen Hagen, Jack Hyland, Sam Hyland, Emma Thor, Grace Thor, Olivia Thor; great-grandchildren, Poppy, Brody, Sonny, Lolly; and brother, Marvin Thor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Mabel Thor; and sister-in-law, Norma Thor.

Funeral service for Gerald will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Waseca. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at New Hope Faith Cemetery in Comfrey, MN at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations preferred to Tunnel to Towers Foundation (t2t.org) which Gerald considered a most deserving cause.