Donald Norman Thoreson

Obituary For Donald Norman Thoreson

Donald “Don” Thoreson, 82, of Ankeny, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2026.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Memorial Services of Iowa (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny). A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, October 2, 2026, at Bethesda Lutheran Church (703 Pine St, Moorhead, IA) followed by burial at Spring Valley Cemetery.

Don was born June 1, 1944, in Ute, Iowa to Norman and Helen Thoreson. He attended Moorhead High School, where he graduated in 1962.

Don started farming right after high school and soon met Carole Halverson from Soldier, Iowa. Don and Carole were married September 10, 1965, and enjoyed 61 years of marriage. Don and Carole raised three children, Samara “Sam”, Brandon, and Briana “Bri” in Moorhead and moved to Ankeny in 2001.

Don loved taking care of his yard and his beautiful flower garden. He enjoyed making birdhouses and putzing around in the garage. Don was very fond of cars and seemed to buy a new one at least once a year. Don enjoyed coffee, going for drives to Saylorville Lake, and any grilled or BBQ meat. He was very proud of his 41 years of sobriety.

Don treasured his family and never missed time to visit his grandchildren. He could make any baby or toddler laugh (or cry) with his goofy smile and deep, booming voice.

Don is survived by his wife, Carole; children, Sam Thoreson of Ankeny, Brandon (Cori Shanahan) Thoreson of Ankeny, and Bri (Dave) Hughes of Waterloo, NE; grandchildren, Max (Michaela) Garton, Cole (Madison) Garton, Olivia Hughes, Mia Hughes, Noble Shanahan Thoreson, Royal Shanahan Thoreson, and Flynn Shanahan Thoreson; great-grandson, Everett Garton; sisters, Marlene McCall and Marcia Thoreson; as well as many other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Helen Thoreson; brothers, Leo and Richard Thoreson; great-granddaughter, Ellie Garton; and many other family members and friends.

The family wishes to thank St. Croix Hospice and Rock Creek Senior Living for their care in Don’s final days. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Croix or Alcoholics Anonymous.

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Services

Visitation

Oct

1

Memorial Services of Iowa

4208 North Ankeny Blvd
Ankeny, IA 50023

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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Funeral Service

Oct

2

Bethesda Lutheran Church

703 Pine Street
Moorhead, IA 51558

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

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