Juanita Mae Freier

Juanita Mae Thorson, 83, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025, with her children at her side. She was born to Einar and Gladys (Winge) Thorson in Madison, Minnesota, the 4th of 8 children.

She fell in love with and married Ferdelle Freier in November of 1959. Together they raised four children: Timothy, Todd, Lynnette and Faith. Theirs was a close-knit family that prioritized family connections. Many happy hours and years were spent getting together with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. So many good times were shared and memories made. Sadly, Ferdelle passed away in November of 1994, after 35 years of marriage.

Though heartbroken, her dedication to her family did not waiver as she continued to devote her life to her children and grandchildren. She attended every concert, play, program and sporting event that she could. (It was no secret that her favorite sport was basketball. She was a lifelong fan and thoroughly enjoyed sitting in the bleachers watching her granddaughters and later great granddaughters play, as well as every possible game on tv.) She was not only a mom and grandma but a dear friend as well, always there for her family, loving and supportive.

Juanita’s strong faith in the Lord formed a solid foundation for her and her family. She was very active in her church, serving on various committees and volunteering many hours. She worked a few years bookkeeping for American Laundry and later, for many years as a Housekeeping Supervisor at Arrowwood Resort. Her favorite position though was always that of mother and grandmother.

She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by her children; Timothy Freier, Todd (Julie) Freier, Lynnette (Dave) Malvin and Faith Steussy, grandchildren; Amber (Jim) Whipkey, Kala (Eric) Holthusen, Lindsey (David) Lamb, Chad Malvin, Caitlin (Ben) Christopherson, Ella Steussy, Blake Steussy, Brody Freier, and 14 great grandchildren. Also survived by brother, Edward (Sandy) Thorson, sister, Sherry Norlien, and brother-in-law, Dave Brede.

Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Ferdelle; parents, Einar and Gladys Thorson and parents-in-law, Albert and Irene Freier, brothers: Roger and Charles Thorson, sisters: Phyllis Hjelm, Karen Ziesemer and Savina Casselberry, brothers and sisters-in-law: Duane & Marlys Freier, Shirley & Norbert Roers, Eunice & Werner Roers, Valerie Geris & Yvonne Brede.

Visitation for Juanita will be held Wednesday, October 1, 2025, 10:00 – 11:00 AM at Shalom Lutheran Church in Alexandria with a Memorial Service at 11:00 AM.

Honorary urn bearers are her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A private burial will be held at a later date.