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Thorson, Josephine Carol (Hansen)

Josephine Carol (Hansen) Thorson, aka “Jo” formerly of Waupaca, WI, at the age of 88, passed away on Saturday November 30, 2013 in Vancouver, WA.

Jo was born February 1, 1925 to Christian J. and Anna (Paulson) Hansen at home on their family farm in Waupaca, Wisconsin. She spent her early years growing up on the family farm. Following graduation from Waupaca High School in 1943 she went to Washington D.C. to work for the FBI classifying finger prints. Through friendships and associations she went on to cashier in a men’s clothing store in mid town Manhattan, NewYork City and then as an office clerk for the Light House for the Blind in New Orleans, LA.

She married Russell E. Thorson of Scandinavia, Wisconsin on February 24, 1951. They moved to Fairbanks, Alaska following their marriage. Their only child, Scott Oliver was born in Fairbanks January 31, 1955. Her husband was affiliated with the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators. They moved several times following the trade. Richland, Washington was their home commencing in 1961, where Jo worked for the National Bank of Commerce. In 1969 the family returned to Alaska, residing in Anchorage. After her husband’s death in 1973 Jo acquired her Real Estate License and pursued a career in that field for 13 years. She also enjoyed and entertained visitors to Alaska when she had a small “Bed and Breakfast” operation in her home for two summers.

In 1988 she decided to leave Alaska for a more moderate climate and moved to Redmond, Washington. She and her very special friend and companion Robert Peirce moved further south to Roseburg, Oregon where they built a home. After Bob’s death in 2000, Jo moved to Vancouver, WA to be near her son Scott, who passed away in 2001. Jo continued to reside in Vancouver, WA until her passing.

Jo is survived by many relatives and friends who loved this dear lady. At her request her body was donated to the Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon for organ donation and medical research. Her remains will be forwarded to Wisconsin at a later date for placement with her husband Russ and son Scott at the Scandinavia Lutheran Cemetery, Scandinavia, Wisconsin. At that time a quiet Celebration of Life will be held.

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