Eileen Thorston

Eileen was born on September 17, 1923 in Vesta, MN, the daughter of Joseph and Nettie (Potter) Kotval. She graduated valedictorian from Redwood Falls High School. In 1945, she graduated from the University of Minnesota with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and taught Home Economics and Science at Waterville High School, Waterville, MN. She married Leonard Thorston on September 20, 1947. They lived and farmed in Sundown Township, Redwood County, until moving from the farm into Springfield in 1990. Eileen is survived by her husband, Leonard, their daughters, Audrey (Rusty) Nelson of Minneapolis, Jane (Jim) Sletten of Edina, Mary (Daniel) Megorden of Phoenix, Brenda (Donald) Hunter of Farmington, and Donna (Andrew) Rauch of Shoreview, 13 grandchildren, Karla (Ross) and Erik Nelson, David and Tanya Sletten, Jessica (Brian) Ommen, Laura and Micah Megorden, Allison, Jon and Sarah Hunter, Nettie, Tommy and Hannah Rauch and 2 great grandchildren, Anton and Elling Nelson and her sister, Doris (Douglas) Zorn of Hutchinson, MN. Eileen was an active member of many community organizations including Sundown Lutheran Church, Redwood County Extension, a school board member of District 1750, Redwood Area Home Economists Club and a 20 year leader of the Mighty Mites 4-H Club. She was also an accomplished and prolific seamstress. Fascinated with the technology of microwave ovens, she sold them door-to-door when they were first introduced to the consumer market. One of her biggest thrills was being a finalist in the Pillsbury Bake-Off contest and then winning a special prize in the microwave category. She was subsequently selected to participate in several contests as a contestant advisor. Most of all, she loved being surrounded by her family. First Visitation 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm Friday, November 1, 2013 Sturm Funeral Home, Springfield Chapel 407 N. Jackson Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Second Visitation 10:00 am - 11:00 am Saturday, November 2, 2013 Sundown Lutheran Church, Sundown Township 17793 Nature Ave. Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Service Information 11:00 am Saturday, November 2, 2013 Sundown Lutheran Church, Sundown Township 17793 Nature Ave. Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087 Interment Information Sundown Lutheran Cemetery 35896 170th St. Springfield, Minnesota, United States 56087