Obituary - Joseph Oscar Thorson, 90, a giant among men, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, October 31, 2011. He was born in Provo, Utah, March 7, 1921 to Joseph Thorson and Sarah May Curtis. Joe lived a long and wonderful life. The world is a better place because he was in it.

He graduated from Provo High in 1939 and attended Brigham Young University where he met his lifelong sweetheart, Mary Barnett, in a dance class. They danced into each other's arms and never looked away. They were married July 30, 1942 in the Logan LDS Temple. Sixty-nine years of marriage made in Heaven is the beginning of eternity for them. They are the loving parents of 12 children.

Joe served valiantly in the 275th Regiment of the United States Army from 1942 until 1945. He was awarded the bronze star for bravery. He was a front line medic and risked his own life to bring first aid to many wounded soldiers.

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, holding many callings including Bishop and High Priests Group Leader. He was a member of the Country Creek Ward of the Layton, Utah Holmes Creek Stake. Joe served his community.

In 1951 he opened the doors of Joe's Greenhouse, where he grew the best plants around for 60 years. He loved the look and smell of growing things. He also worked as a civilian employee at Hill Air Force Base for 30 years.

Most of all he loved his family. He taught his children and grandchildren to work, to laugh, to sing, and to love. He gave them everything he had. He was a loving husband, son, father, grandfather, uncle and brother. His posterity is numerous and grateful. Joe enjoyed traveling and being outdoors, and he had a special love for fishing. His boat was the source of countless hours of enjoyment for him. He valued hard work. He built his parents' home, and then his own, with ingenuity and strength. Both of the homes have lasted a lifetime.

He is survived by his devoted wife Mary, and twelve married children. Mary Jo (Wayne) Smith, Richard (Mariann) Thorson, Raymond (Beverlee) Thorson, Arlene (Dennis) Rasmussen, Russell (Wendy) Thorson, Randall (Shelly) Thorson, Janice (Kent) Johnson, Janet (Kit) Andersen, Larry (Pamela) Thorson, Nadine (Bret) Passey, Delana (Wayne) Huber and Camille (Jeffrey) Jackson. He has a total of 52 grandchildren, 99 great-grandchildren (with two on the way) and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by sisters Myrna Brooksby, Nona Walker, Myrtle Lassen, and Gail Kochevar. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Patra, Joyce, Karna, and Iona, and his brothers Ralph, Grant and Robert.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2011 at the Kaysville Tabernacle, 198 W. Center Street. Friends may visit family Friday from 6-8 p.m. at Lindquist's Kaysville Mortuary, 400 N. Main and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the tabernacle prior to services. Interment, Kaysville City Cemetery where military honors will be accorded.

God be with you until we meet again.