Peggy Thorn

Peggy Rae Thorn, 70, of Verndale, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, while enjoying the great outdoors she loved so much. Peggy was born to Robert and Dorothy Larson in Minneapolis, MN on June 16, 1955. She was a woman of contagious joy and laughter that bubbled up readily as she embraced every moment of life.

Peggy accepted Jesus as her Savior at an early age. She attended Brooklyn Center Evangelical Free Church with her family where she built many lifelong friendships.

Peggy served on staff at Camp Shamineau in the late ‘70s where she met her husband Gary Lee Thorn. They were married in Motley MN on September 15, 1979. She was a welcoming face in her role at Central Lakes College for 35 years until her retirement in 2023. She lured many a student and staff member into a friendly game of ping-pong, where she surprised everyone with her competitive skill. When Peggy was in the room, you were destined to get pulled into uncontrollable ripples of laughter and pure joy. Peggy was an active and beloved member of the Verndale Alliance Church where she enjoyed youth ministry as well as playing piano, guitar, and singing with the worship team. She was ready to help anyone at any time, loved everyone, and was ready with a fresh batch of caramel puffcorn for any occasion. Peggy made many memories with her “yada-yada” friends and logged many miles on horseback with her “gallopin’ gals.” She enjoyed God’s great outdoors while deer hunting, camping with family at Clubhouse Campground, kayaking down the river, and sitting in her favorite chair at the GPRR—“Gary Peggy River Retreat.” Peggy enjoyed baking, especially baking Christmas cookies with family, and distributed them freely to bless many people.

One of Peggy’s greatest earthly joys was spending time with her family. Babies and children were drawn to her bubbly personality, and she was seldom seen at gatherings without a child giggling or sleeping in her arms.

Peggy is preceded in death by her dad Robert Larson. She is survived by her husband Gary of 45 years, son Mitch Thorn, step children Gary (Lyle) Thorn, Mark (Gloria) Thorn, Mike (Erika) Thorn and Taunee (Ruth) Thorn; mother Dorothy Larson; sisters Laurel (Tom) Jenson and Amy (Glenn) Widmark and many beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

A time of Visitation will be held 4-7 pm Friday, July 18th at the Verndale Alliance Church, 109 NW Brown St, Verndale, MN. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11 am Saturday, July 19th with visitation one hour prior, also at the Verndale Alliance Church. A light lunch will be served following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Peggy’s honor. These gifts will be directed to support her favorite ministries, continuing the legacy of her faith and compassion.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.

Peggy's funeral service will be livestreamed on Saturday July 19th. Please click here