Marjory Anne Thorstenson, 86, died peacefully Monday, August 10, 2020 at Saint Martin Village, Rapid City, SD.

Marjory was born in Akron, IA to Osmond and Iona (Herbrandson) Twedt, October 22, 1933. She graduated from Augustana Academy (Canton, SD) and Augustana College (Sioux Falls, SD).

In 1957, Marjory married Verne Thorstenson of Selby, SD. They lived in Baltimore, MD and various places in South Dakota - Selby, Fort Thompson, Brookings, Vermillion - before moving their family of 5 children to Rapid City in 1967.

Marjory was a social worker for the South Dakota Department of Social Services in Rapid City for 19 years. She was a faithful and dedicated member of South Canyon Lutheran Church, serving on church council, as chair of the call committee, a Stephen Minister, and as her parish trainer for Stephen Ministries. Marj, along with Verne, was active in Sons of Norway Borgund Lodge, where they enjoyed Norwegian folk dancing, cooking ethnic foods and participating in SON culture classes and socials. In past summers, they both enjoyed their time volunteering and conversing with visitors at the Chapel in the Hills.

Marj became interested in genealogy after her mother-in-law gave her a small book in which to record ancestral names and dates. In her own words, "Genealogy research became my favorite activity." She progressed to become an accomplished genealogist, writing family stories to share with her children and ultimately compiling, publishing and distributing her book "Peter J & Sofie Thorstenson Family Story" to Thorstenson relatives world-wide. Marj and Verne hosted several foreign exchange students over the years and loved to travel, both here and abroad, often visiting relatives along the way.

She is survived by her husband, Verne Thorstenson; daughter Yvonne (Brian) Strom, Cupertino CA; son Eric Thorstenson (Connie Beckstrom), Rapid City SD; daughter Nina Thorstenson (Bob Shutts), Rapid City SD; daughter Kim (Kendal) Haug, Rapid City SD; son Andy Thorstenson, Rapid City SD; 12 grandchildren - Amelia and Mallory Strom, Tyler and Briana Beckstrom, Sofia (Scott) Kennel and John Thorstenson, Karlie, Kiefer, Karah and Keaton Haug, Autumn Celeste and Rowan Thorstenson - and one great-granddaughter, Leah Kennel. Marjory was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Norma.

The family wishes to thank the Serenity Place staff at Saint Martin Village for their compassionate care, especially during this time when family visits were restricted because of the pandemic.

A private family service will be held at the Chapel in the Hills at 10am on Monday, August 17, 2020 with Pastor Chris Baesler officiating and interment at Black Hills National Cemetery. Family and friends can view the recorded service when it is posted to the websites of Osheim & Schmidt Funeral Home and South Canyon Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Augustana Fund at Augustana University, 2001 South Summit Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57197.

Cards may be sent to Verne at 4825 Jericho Way, Apt 306, Rapid City, SD 57702.