Victoria, Minnesota - It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Michael Jon Thorsen, age 82, of Victoria, MN, on November 27, 2024. Michael will always be remembered for his genuine loving-kindness and desire to make the people in his life feel treasured. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.

Michael was born on March 28, 1942, to Donald and Esther (nee Jensen) Thorsen in Chicago, IL. His family later moved to Michigan City, IN and he graduated from Michigan City High School in 1960. He then went on to receive his bachelor's degree in Math at Purdue University. It was there that he met his bride, Carol Sedgwick, and they were married on July 3, 1965. Upon graduation, Michael took a job at IBM Research in Endwell, NY before moving back to MI, where he earned his master's degree in quantitative mathematics at the University of Michigan.

Post graduation, Michael and Carol moved to Columbus, OH, where he worked at Industrial Nucleonics. He then took a position with Esmark in Chicago, IL and then on to Tennant and Data Card in Minneapolis, MN. After working for large corporations for many years, Michael took his expertise and love for start-up companies to his next venture in the healthcare field, where he remained until he retired. It was then that he began volunteering as a math tutor at Highlands Elementary School in Edina, MN for gifted students in grades 3-5, which he absolutely loved.

In his free time, Michael loved playing golf and watching high school and college football and basketball. However, the majority of his time was spent with the people he loved most - his family. He was a dedicated husband to Carol for over 59 years, a wise and loving father to his two sons, Todd and Jon, and he absolutely adored all of his grandchildren. Michael was intentional about spending time with them from the time they were born, taking them to the Arboretum or the Science Museum, sharing family dinners together, tutoring them in math, and attending their sporting events and music recitals. He was always eager to share a funny story or impart wisdom for every stage of their lives. Each of his grandchildren had a special bond with him and his love for them is a legacy they will carry with them forever.

Michael is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Carol, his children, Todd (Kim Mallison) Thorsen, Jon (Brenda Kreiling) Thorsen, his grandchildren, Charles, Josephine, Camilla, Genevieve, and Ezekiel, and his sister, Donna McMillan.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 2, 2025 in the Snyder Auditorium at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska, MN at 11:00AM.