JoAnn Thorson

Posted By: ryanc November 9, 2026 @ 7:09 am Obituaries Tweet Share LinkedIn Email JoAnn Marie Thorson, 63, of Page, ND, passed away on November 7, 2026, after a courageous three-and-a-half-year battle with inflammatory breast cancer. JoAnn, fondly known as Jo, was born on July 18, 1963, in Fargo to Kenneth “Bud” and Barbara (Taskey) Koenig. She grew up on the family farm near Page as the youngest of six siblings, a role that was not always easy.  She passed away in her home, made possible by HIA Hospice, on that same farm. After high school, Jo moved to Fargo to pursue a career in respiratory care. Her career spanned many years at St. Luke’s, MeritCare, and eventually Sanford Health. She served in a variety of roles throughout the respiratory care department, including work on hospital floors, in the sleep center, and in pulmonary rehabilitation. She took great pride and joy in helping others live better lives and had a genuine interest in the well-being of her patients Jo’s greatest joy came in high school when she met the love of her life, Marvin Thorson. They were married on June 6, 1987, in Moorhead, MN, and shared 39 wonderful years of marriage. Marrying Marvin was one of the greatest joys of her life. Jo loved adventure, whether it involved running a marathon, exploring a new destination, or setting off on a family vacation. One of her favorite pursuits was visiting Major League Baseball stadiums across the country, and she had only six remaining on her list. She also enjoyed gardening, caring for her lawn and beautiful flowers, biking, hiking, fishing, camping, and reading, always keeping a book close at hand. Above all else, Jo cherished her family. She rarely missed her children’s sporting events and took great pride in being an active and loving presence in the lives of her children and grandchildren. She possessed a strong work ethic and was always busy with a project or helping someone else. Jo and Marvin moved back to Page to farm and raise their family. She was always willing to lend a hand on the farm and never shied away from hard work, no matter the task. She was active in the Page community, the Methodist Church, the local school while her children were students there, and the Page Cemetery. Jo is survived by her husband, Marvin, of Page, ND; sons John (Brenda) Thorson of Page and granddaughter Haley; Matthew Thorson of Valley City, ND; and Andrew “Andy” (Dallas) Thorson of Horace, ND and granddaughter Blake. She is also survived by her siblings, Terry (Juneal) Koenig, Michael (Cindy) Koenig, Peggy (Lyndon) Maasjo, and Patty Olstad; her brother-in-law, E. James Langdahl; sister-in-law Nancy (Duane) Thorson; brother-in-law Howard (Paulette) Thorson; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Barbara Koenig; her parents-in-law, Ardie and Allene Thorson; and her sister, Sherri Langdahl. Memorials may be directed to the Open Door Center in Valley City, the Roger Maris Cancer Center, HIA Hospice or the Page Cemetery. Jo’s family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff of the Roger Maris Cancer Center, especially Dr. Gitau and nurse Christi, for their compassionate care and support throughout her journey. A memorial service for Jo will be at Epworth United Methodist Church, Valley City, ND at 11:00 AM, Friday, November 13, 2026.  Visitation will be the hour prior to the service on.  Interment will be in the Page Cemetery. The service will be live streamed, then archived, on a link provided along with her obituary on her tribute page at www.olivernathanchapel.com An online guestbook is available there as well. Traditions Funeral Services in Valley City is honored to assist her family with arrangements.