DEEP CREEK LAKE — Donald “Don” Alan Thorson, 90, of Deep Creek Lake, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025. He was surrounded by loved ones.
Don was born on Sept. 13, 1935, in Spring Grove, Minn., son of the late Arnold and Della Thorson.
Don met his wife Judy while he served in the 64th Air Division of the U.S. Air Force in St. John’s NFLD. Upon leaving the Air Force, he built a remarkable career as a homebuilder and a respected and loved leader of people. For more than four decades, he mentored countless young men and women, helping them grow into compassionate, capable leaders. His approach to leadership was rooted in kindness, respect, and trust — values he lived by and instilled in others. Don believed that to be a good manager, spouse, parent, or friend, one must first be a good person. More important to him than any professional accomplishment was his love for his family and his friendly and kind approach to all. His warmth and gentle spirit touched everyone he met. There are few people in the world with the capacity to bring light and happiness to a room by simply being themselves and the grace through which they meet every person. Don refused to end a conversation with his wife, his kids or his grandchildren without saying simply, “I love you, never forget that” I, your husband, your father, your grandfather...Pop, love you. He never allowed these words to fall without deep meaning. You felt his love in every word.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Owen, Jim and Steve Thorson, and grandson Donny Benjamin.
He leaves a lasting legacy to be cherished, and is survived by his wife of 69 years, Judy Thorson; sisters Esther and husband Gary Roverud, Judy and husband Wally Klodnicki; son Jeffrey and wife Kelly Thorson of Tampa, Fla.; daughter Penny and husband Richard Benjamin of Denver, Colo.; son Scott and wife Sondra Thorson of Davidson, N.C. and son Timothy and wife Chris Thorson of McKinney, Texas; grandchildren, Shane Thorson, Gregory and wife Kaitlin Benjamin, Parker and wife Amanda Thorson, Cody and wife Bethany Benjamin, Sierra Thorson and fiancé Andrew Spinnler, Alexandra Thorson and Nicholas Thorson; and great-grandchildren Elina Sky Thorson, Luke Carlson, Milo Benjamin, Thea Thorson and Oren Thorson.
A private celebration of life will be held by the family.
The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to all the Hospice of Iredell County nurses, CNA’s and staff, and the loving staff at Cadence of Mooresville for the unwavering compassionate and supportive care that was provided. Your kindness will never be forgotten. We will miss you, our husband, our Dad, our Pop. We love you.
