Lillian "Lil" Thorson

Lillian Olson Arneson Thorson, 79, of Readstown, formerly of East Dubuque, passed away peacefully with her son and daughter by her side on Saturday, May 20th, 2023.  She left a legacy of love for her children, stepchildren, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and siblings. 

She was born to Agnes (Emerson) Olson and Melvin O. Olson in rural DeSoto, WI on March 7th, 1944.

She married Thomas Arneson in 1963 and was co-owner of Arneson Wholesalers which they purchased the same year.   They had two children, Stacey and Sam, and later divorced.

Lillian later remarried and became co-owner of the Thorson Funeral Home and helped to raise three stepdaughters, Beth, Paula, and Chris.  They divorced and she moved to East Dubuque where she retired as a sales associate from James Martin Jewelers.

During her years in Viroqua, she was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and was very involved in all aspects of the church as a Sunday school teacher, Bible schoolteacher, member of the alter guild, circle, ladies aid, and held offices in Luther League.  She was also President and member of the Viroqua Lionettes, Viroqua Jaycettes, and Viroqua Chamber of Commerce.  Lillian also enjoyed her many years as sales associate at Biederman Jewelers and Jack and Jill.

Her hobbies included: stained glass, playing cards, puzzles, and reading; she always had a book nearby.

As her final act of kindness, Lillian donated her eyes to the Lion’s Eye Bank of Wisconsin so that someone may know the gift of sight.

Lillian is survived by her daughter Stacey (Dan) Mick of Readstown; her son Samuel Arneson of Westby; her stepdaughters: Beth Swift, Paula (Todd) Smith, and Chris (Jeff) Roth; sisters Helen (Gary) Lawrence, Virginia Henderson, Gladys Swenson, and Beverly (Art) Benson; brother Merlin (Sharon) Olson; brother-in-law Jim Taylor; grandchildren: Jordan (Sarah) Mickelson, Karlie Hansen, Ashley Mick,  Ashley (Haily) Laganowski, Aric (Kendra) Arneson, and Aaron Arneson; her step-grandchildren: Brittany Swift, Anthony (Cheyanne) Swift, Teshuvah, Tevya, Tirzah, Tikvah, Tiveria, and Thor Smith, Angel, Austin, Arabella, April, Anna, Ashah, Adalyn, and Amyiah Roth; great-grandchildren Hadley, Quinn, Jansyn, Addy, Evan, Jax, Rio, Ashlyn, and Hailee; special friends Chuck, Jon, Jodi, Garrett, Andrew, and Emmett who were also like family to her; many nieces, nephews and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Agnes and Melvin; sisters, Mildred Koch and Phyllis Taylor; brother George Olson; and brothers-in-law, Gerald Henderson, Ronald Koch, and David Swenson.

A Memorial Service will be held June 2nd, 2023, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Viroqua at 11:30 a.m. with Pastor Michele Engh officiating.  A visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of service, a luncheon to follow.

The family suggests any memorials be given to the Lions Club. 

Blessed be her memory.

Roth Family Cremation Center and Funeral Services is serving the family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lillian "Lil" Thorson, please visit our floral store.