Mert Thorsness

Mert Thorsness, 76, Steele, died February 10, 2005, at a Bismarck hospital. Services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, Steele, with the Rev. Paul Tjostem officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Steele. Visitation will be from noon to 3:30 PM Monday at Eastgate Funeral Service in Bismarck. Visitation will continue at Eastgate Steele Chapel on Monday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Wednesday from 9:00 to 11:00 AM and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church. Martha "Mert" was born March 10, 1928, at Dawson, ND, the daughter of Frederick and Mary Eastburn White. She grew up and attended school in Dawson, graduating from Dawson High School in 1946. On October 20, 1946, she married Allen Thorsness in Dawson. They farmed near Steele. She worked for Kirschenmann Insurance, Farmers and Merchants, and Steele Drug. After Allen died in March 1978, Mert moved into Steele in May of 1978, where she would open Greens 'N Things Flower Shop. In December 2004, she sold the flower shop. Mert will be remembered by all those who knew her for her love of flowers and her passion and artistry in creating arrangements. She enjoyed her home flower garden, her backyard full of well-fed birds, and especially her dog, Chi Chi. Mert golfed and played bridge - she was a member of her bridge club for over thirty years. She compared crossword puzzle results every day with friends, and she and Chi Chi hosted a regular gathering of friends for coffee at her home. Mert will be remembered for her wry wit and sense of humor, and for her generosity and loyalty to her many friends. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Steele. Mert is survived by her four children, Bob Sue Harkins Thorsness of Schaumburg, IL, Deb Chad Olson of Steele, Paula Clyde Schmautz Dewald of Jamestown, and Tim "Tom" Patty Thorsness of Bismarck; her grandchildren, Heather Mike Hagens, and Brett and Adam Thorsness; two sisters, Carolyn Waddell and Janrose Jasper both of Bismarck; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Tim and Frances White and Fred and Susie White, all of Steele. She was preceded in death by her husband; her sister, Sharlow Neustel; her brothers, E.R. "Buck" and Joe White; and a special friend, Elaine Erdelt.

Mert Thorsness

March 10, 1928 - February 10, 2005