Lily Thorsen
Lily Evelyn Thorsen, 92, of Chattanooga, died on Tuesday, November 4, 2014 in a local health care facility.
She was born March 2, 1922, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to the late John and Anna Bakalar.
Lily graduated from Columbia Heights High School in Minneapolis, Mn., in 1940, where she played drums in the band. During her work life, she held various positions, including being an executive secretary at G. H. Tennant Company in Minneapolis. While at the Tennant Company, she met the love of her life, Jack Thorsen. Jack shared Lily’s enthusiasm for travel and adventure. They were married from 1949 until Jack’s death in 1983.
She was a longtime member of Cross of Christ Lutheran Church.
It is a testament to Lily’s loving nature that all of her grandchildren, some from as far away as South Korea, came to visit her during her illness. Her love for the Lord compelled her to be involved in her church, especially evangelism, making visitors to the church feel welcome. She also involved herself in quilting, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League and wherever she was needed. She had a special interest in Lutherans for Life and the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.
It was important to Lily to pass on her love for Jesus Christ to her family and others around her. She was energetic her entire life and loved nature and the outdoors. She was ready for any challenge until her stroke in 2011.
Her husband, Jack Thorsen; an infant son, Jonathan Fritz Thorsen; and four sisters, Anna, Pearl, Elsie, and Mabel preceded her in death.
Survivors include her daughter, Faith (Bill) Evans of Hughesville, Md.; son, Mark (Carole) Thorsen of Huntsville; grandchildren, Lindsey Evans, Heidi (Lyle) Baldonado, Rachel (Adam) Dancy, Laura (Cameron) Muelling, Danielle (Stephen) Wank, Celia (Daniel) Hensz, Morgan Thorsen, Sophie Thorsen, and Walker Thorsen; great-grandchildren, Maya ad Aiden Baldonado, and Andrew Dancy; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Sunday, Nov. 9, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at the North Chapel.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, Nov. 10, at 11 a.m. at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church of Chattanooga, with Reverend Barry Hildebrandt officiating. Burial will be in Crystal Lake Cemetery in Minneapolis, Mn. at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cross of Christ Lutheran Church, 3204 Hixson Pike, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415; Lutherans for Life, P. O. Box 76, Garden City, Ia. 50102-0076; or the Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch, P. O. Box 5007, Minot, S.D. 58702.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.