Joseph H. Thorman

Joseph Henry Thorman, 97, of San Juan, TX, and Detroit Lakes, MN, passed away on Nov. 26, 2023 after an extended battle with cancer.

Joseph was born on March 21, 1926 to Harry and Mary Thorman in Buchanan, ND. He graduated from Jamestown High School in 1944. In 1946, he married Leona Bietz and started farming north of Windsor, ND. While fueling a tractor he was burned over most of his body and was hospitalized for much of the next two years. After extended recovery at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, he decided to go to Jamestown College to become a teacher. After teaching at Jamestown High School for over a decade, he furthered his education at the University of Minnesota earning a PHD in educational psychology. He taught prospective teachers at Moorhead State University and North Dakota State University for many years, as well as starting innovative student teaching positions in south Texas schools. However, his secondary occupation and favorite hobby was raising cattle on his farm near Detroit Lakes, MN. Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing and traveling, as well as visiting with friends, relatives, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  After retirement, in 1993, Joe and Leona spent many winters in south Texas.

Joseph is predeceased in death by his parents, wife, Leona, brother, Edward, sisters, Elsie, and Betty.

He is survived by his son, Joseph A. and seven grandchildren, Josette, Joseph L., Jolene, Jessica, Jeana, Janessa, and Erin, as well as fourteen great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a 1 p.m. prayer service Saturday, December 2, 2023, at Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.

Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in San Juan.