On Sunday, May 10th, 2020, John Thorkildson passed away at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND. His wife Mary was at his side.  Cause of death was was due to complications of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

John Anders Thorkildson was born to Andy and Martha (Strand) Thorkildson. John was baptized and confirmed at the St. Petri Church, rural Stephen, MN. John was raised on the family farm and graduated from Stephen High School.  He attended Mayville State University.

John farmed with his father before taking over the farm operation.  John married Mary Stewart Hull on  August 21, 1982.  They were blessed with one daughter, Leslie.

They enjoyed traveling the USA visiting friends and family when his daughter was young and later trips to Europe.  He was always happiest when he could return to his farm.  After retirement he spent most of the summer days "monkeying around" on his farm.  He was passionate about his farm and taking care of it.  He looked forward to their annual drive to Florida in the fall and spending the winter in Gainesville, FL.

John loved Twins baseball and one of his fondest memories was the time his sister Margaret took him, sister Jan and cousin David to a Twins game at the old Metropolitan Stadium in the Twin Cities.  He took his family to other Twins games, but this one was special.

John's brother-in-law John Hull had this to say, "John was a great guy!  He worked hard as a farmer, took care of his family, rarely drank (but since he was my sister's husband I was glad he didn't drink!), and had a wonderful, dry sense of humor."

Family members include his wife Mary of Stephen, daughter Leslie (Jonathan) Wood, granddaughters Natalia and Alexa Wood. Siblings include Margaret (George) Carter, Terry (Mary C.), Ray, Jan (Rod) Wills and Carol Thorkildson as well as many nieces, and nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in-law Carolyn (Ray) Thorkildson.

Private family visitation will be Friday, May 15, at First Lutheran Church in Stephen.  A private graveside service will be held at 2:00 on Saturday, May 16, at St. Petri cemetery, Stephen.