Mildred Thoreson was recognized for the many ways she has served Bethlehem Lutheran Church through the years at the Women’s Luncheon on Saturday, May 10.
The Bethlehem Lutheran Church Women gathered for their annual spring luncheon on Saturday, May 10, 2014. An important part of the event is the selection of an “Angel of the Year.” This year’s honoree is Mildred Thoreson.
As Mildred was “crowned,” her daughter, Randi Nelson, shared some memories of Mildred’s life. She said Mildred was the oldest child in her family and she taught herself to play piano, organ and accordion. She also learned to knit, crochet and sew.
In 1948, she married Edwin Thoreson. They were the first couple to be married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hovland—in the basement as the church was under construction. Mildred was very active in the business that Edwin had started before they married. She remained active while raising their two girls, Wendy and Randi. Mildred even drove truck when Wendy was a baby, heating her baby bottles with the truck’s heater. Wendy passed away in 1995 and Edwin in 2001.
Mildred has been on various committees in Cook County and is currently a Cook County Historical Society board member.
Randi noted that Bethlehem Lutheran Church has been a huge part of Mildred’s life. She played organ for church, typed up bulletins, was church historian, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, directed the junior choir, participated in the Messiah Christmas Concert, played duets with Wendy at Julefest and Christmas Eve Services and played organ for weddings and funerals. Mildred continues to quilt with the Bethlehem Lutheran Church quilters.
In recognition of all her hard work, she was named 2014 Bethlehem Lutheran Church “Angel of the Year.”
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