Madeline Thorsgard

**Update** The service for Madeline Thorsgard will be open to immediate family only as we will be following the CDC's recommendations for public events. The service can be lived streamed at https://www.ebenezerflc.org/live-streaming/  or you can click on the link provided below in the service information.

Madeline Thorsgard, 96, of Northwood, ND passed away peacefully on Friday, March 13, 2020 at her home, rural Northwood. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. at Ebenezer Free Lutheran Church in Northwood. A visitation will be from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the church.

Madeline Irene (Wasness) Thorsgard was born May 2, 1923 on a farm near Northwood to Ben and Minnie (Bjerke) Wasness.  She grew up on that farm, attended country school and then High School in Northwood.  Madeline married Enoch Thorsgard on May 31, 1941. It was the first and only love for both that lasted a lifetime. The words that Enoch wrote of Madeline describe her best. “ A man does not really have any problems when he knows that when he enters his home and his sanctuary that he has a loving and understanding wife that is like a rock; and that loves and understands his spirit and body and that there is a warm meal and loving smile – a listening and sympathizing ear. “ It was true for Enoch and for her family.  As children we always knew that we could count on mom to be there and love us unconditionally. 

The center and cornerstone of her life was her faith in Jesus as her Lord and Savior.  Madeline was an active member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church and especially enjoyed singing in the choir, WMF and quilting. In the past few days of her life she quoted Psalm 23 several times putting an emphasis on the end of the Psalm.  “Surely goodness and mercy will follow you all the days of your life and you shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  And then would repeat over and over again. Forever, forever and forever. 

Survivors include her children: Carol (Harold) Luecke, Grady (Marilyn) Thorsgard, John (Dona) Thorsgard, Ruth (Bob) Draxton) and a son in law, Lonney Eastvold; 24 grandchildren and 12 spouses, 36 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Raymond (Florence) Wasness and Allen (Clarene) Wasness.

Madeline was preceded in death by her husband, Enoch; son, Luke; daughter, Betty Eastvold; parents, Ben and Minnie Wasness.