Lois Thykeson

Lois Ann Thykeson passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2025, after leading a rich life of 97 years. Lois was born on a farm near Doran, Minnesota, to Walter and Fern (Pasch) Leinen and was the oldest of 10 children (7 boys and 3 girls). She attended a country school her first 8 grades and graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1946.

Lois married Alden Thykeson (a WWII veteran) on June 6th, 1947, in Wahpeton where they lived for the next 5 years. In 1952, they moved to Detroit Lakes until retirement in 1998. For the next 5 years, when not traveling, they stayed with Lois’ cousin in Berwyn, Illinois. Wanting to be closer to family, they moved back to Breckenridge in 2003. Lois lost the love of her life when Al passed away in 2009. She stayed in Breckenridge until moving to Pioneer Cottage in Fergus Falls in 2024.

While living in Detroit Lakes, Lois was an active member of First Lutheran Church, Camp Fire Girls, the United Way, American Legion, VFW Auxiliary, Eagles Auxiliary, and the Minnesota Bowling Association. Her hobbies were snowmobiling, golf, crafts, gardening, and bowling. Lois was a member of the Minnesota Women’s Bowling Association (MWBC) for 41 years, serving as Treasurer for 22 years and Director for 4 years. Because of her tireless work in this organization, she was elected to the MWBC Hall of Fame in 1995. She also received a letter of appreciation from the Detroit Lakes School System for organizing the first ever Junior Bowling program in DL and was presented the Presential Sports Award from President Nixon in 1973. Lois was also an accomplished bowler with a career high game of 248, high series of 618 and high season average of 159.

Lois is survived by her brother Randy (Linda) Leinen, sisters-in-law, Eunice and JoAnne Leinen, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Fern, husband Al, and siblings Vance, Lyle, Donald, Marilyn, Dennis, Beverly, David and Rodney.

A funeral service honoring Lois’ life will be held at Breckenridge Lutheran Church, 301 6th St N, Breckenridge, MN on Thursday, June 26th at 11 AM, with visitation one hour prior to service.  Lunch will be served after the service. Lois will be interned next to her loving husband at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, a donation in Lois’ name be made to the Detroit Lakes American Legion, 810 W Lake Dr #1, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vertin-Munson Funeral Home, Wahpeton, ND.