Earl Thofson

Published 12:00 am Saturday, June 7, 2008

Earl H. Thofson, 79, of Medford, died Friday, June 6, 2008, at Colony Court in Waseca.
He was born Feb. 18, 1929, in Freeborn County, the son of Hamilton and Esther (Tukua) Thofson.
He attended New Richland public schools and graduated from New Richland High School in 1947.
Earl married Mildred Tolbers on April 11, 1953, at the United Methodist Church in Owatonna. Following their marriage the couple farmed near Myrtle for two years. They then moved to rural Medford in 1956 and purchased Mildred’s parents farm where they made their home. In addition to farming Earl drove school bus for the Medford Public Schools from 1959 to 1999, and sold Pioneer Seed from 1972 to 1997.
He is a member of the Congregational United Church of Christ in Medford, where he was active and participated in many activities. Mildred died June 16, 1999. Earl married Sharon Whelan and the couple later divorced. Earl enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and traveling.
He is survived by one daughter Diane M. Anderson of Waseca, three sons, David E. (Suzanne) of Medford, Daniel D. (Stacy) of Medford and Duane R. (Kristine) of Prior Lake. He is also survived by six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, two brothers Virgil (Arlene) Thofson and Verlyn (Kristi) Thofson both of Hartland, and one sister Marjorie (Donald) Schoeppler of Freeborn. His wife and one brother, Donald, preceded him in death.
Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. and at Trinity Lutheran Church on Tuesday from 2 to 3 p.m. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 3 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna with the Revs. Julie Malone and Nancy Edwardson co-officiating. Interment will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Owatonna. Memorials are preferred to the donor’s choice.