Marilyn I. Thoreson, 91, of Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, died Thursday, Sept. 7, 2017, at Prairie Manor Care Center in Blooming Prairie.

Marilyn Irene Hunter was born May 20, 1926, in Blooming Prairie to Albert and Ida (Meyers) Hunter. She graduated in 1944 from Blooming Prairie High School. Marilyn married Mervin Nelson, and the couple later divorced. On July 16, 1971, Marilyn married Vince Thoreson. She lived her entire life in Blooming Prairie.  Marilyn was employed at Prairie Manor, The Bakery, and Blooming Prairie Schools lunch program. She was one of the first nurse’s aides to be hired at Prairie Manor. Marilyn was a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church in Blooming Prairie as well as the VFW Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed playing cards with her friends and was an avid reader and was never without a book in her lap. Her family and friends will miss her dearly.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Wayne Nelson of Owatonna, Minnesota, Michael Nelson, Keven (Jackie Friesner) Nelson, and Cheryl (Roy) Olson, all of Blooming Prairie, and Linda Wyant of Albert Lea; 11 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; sister, Lola Wood and sister-in-law, Donna Hunter, both of Austin; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Vince in 2014; sons, Steven Nelson and Raymond Nelson; daughters, Carol and Betty in infancy; son-in-law, Larry Wyant; her brothers, John, Robert, Paul, Howard, and Roger; and her sisters, Georgia and Mildred.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 13, 2017, at First Lutheran Church in Blooming Prairie with Pastor Jeff Sandgren officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday morning for one hour prior to the service from 10 to 11 a.m., at First Lutheran Church. Interment will be in Blooming Prairie Cemetery.

Services prearranged and performed by the Worlein Blooming Prairie Funeral Home. Condolences may be expressed to the family online atwww.worlein.com.