Jacquelyn Horner Thorsen

Jacquelyn Horner Thorsen of Northfield, MN, passed away at the age of 92 on November 13, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 8, 1933, in Piedmont, CA, to William and Frances Horner. She spent most of her childhood in Twentynine Palms, CA, and was a 1955 graduate of Pomona College in Claremont, CA. She continued to obtain further certifications in Regular Education, Special Education and Emotional Behavior Disorders (EBD). Her expansive teaching career saw her teach in Hawaii, Saipan, India, and California, mainly in special education settings. She was known for her kindness and sensitivity to children with special needs.

Jackie was blessed with the gift of faith at an early age. She married the “love of her life”, Lloyd Thorsen, on November 22, 1958, in Ojai, CA. Together they opened their home over the many years to numerous foster children, foreign exchange students, adults in need and multiple generations of family members. She led a life of service to others through countless acts of love toward her church, community, those in need and her friends and family. If you knew her, you probably were a recipient of a plate of her delicious krumkaker.

Jackie was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Lloyd Thorsen; three children; Cahrene Dimick (Daniel), Sheila Hopkins (Jeremy); Lynette Roemer (Joseph); seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother and sister, and her son, Christopher Einar, who blessed her life in so many ways.

Jacquelyn knew that it was God’s grace that “led her safe thus far, and grace will lead her home”.

A memorial service will be held in the Spring of 2026 at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society and Lutheran World Relief.