Morley Thorsett

Morley O. Thorsett, age 93, of Motley, passed away at the Lakewood Care Center in Staples on Thursday, March 17, 2011. A memorial service is planned for Saturday, April 2nd, at 1:00 PM, at the Lakewood Health System Care Center. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to the service. A visitation will held on Friday, April 1st from 5-7 PM at the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.


Morley was born June 20, 1917 in Sarles, North Dakota, to Elias and Carolyn (Nelson) Thorsett. He attended school in Sarles where he graduated from the eighth grade. On April 4, 1941 he married Helen Vasecka. Morley owned and operated his own saw mill for over 50 years, drove school bus in Motley Minnesota, and was a member of the Motley Fair Board for over 25 years.

Morley was a kind hearted person with a generous heart. He loved to dance and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He was very proud of his Norwegian heritage.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his devoted wife, Helen, brothers, Elmer and Clifford, and sister, Florence Opheim. Morley will be missed by his two children, Leonard Thorsett of Motley, and Barbara (Morris) Bellefeville of Little Falls, Minnesota, 9 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and special friend Marge Shake along with many nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Brenny Funeral Home in Staples.