Page 6 - Pederson's Broken Heart Red Angus Bull Sale – March 1, 2023

In Memory

Merlyn Eugene Thorstenson

Merlyn Eugene Thorstenson was born in Mobridge, SD on December 28, 1937 to Melvin and Ingrid (Johnson) Thorsten-
son. He passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 23, 2022. He attended McKinley Country school and graduated from
Selby High School in 1955. He attended SDSU and Riech School of Auctioneering in Mason City, Iowa and retired from
auctioneering in 2010 after 52 years.
In 1958, Merlyn met a beautiful farm girl from Java, Janice Oster. He told the story of the first time he went to the Oster
farm, east of Java. Janice was hard at work, milking the cows and since Merlyn was a farm boy himself, this was a match
made in heaven. They were married on September 18, 1960 and blessed with 4 children: Brenda, Renae, Lori, and Marlyn.
Merlyn and Janice made their home on the Thorstenson homestead, Green Valley Stock Farm, where he spent his entire
life farming and ranching. In 1998, they moved to the “house on the hill” across from the farm. Merlyn, his dad, Melvin,
and his brother, Topper ranched at Wing, ND. Every summer cattle were trucked to North Dakota, where family, friends,
and neighbors gathered there for branding. Merlyn was an avid horseman. He always believed that cattle should be
handled on horseback. He enjoyed riding on trail rides, and participated in horse shows, where he won ribbons for many
events. He drove a horse drawn sleigh in the winter and buggy in the summer.
In addition to the farm and ranch, Merlyn, Janice, and family ran an auction business. Merlyn was also a supporter of 4-H
and helped with numerous livestock auctions. He was a life-long member of the Circle S Saddle Club and the Selby Rodeo
Association. He also was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church and St. John’s where he served on the church council
at both parishes. Merlyn was a generous man and supported many community projects. He loved to visit with family and
friends, but could also strike up a conversation with any stranger he met.
Merlyn and Janice enjoyed spending the winters in Mercedes, Texas, where they met many life-long friends. They also trav-
eled to several places including Egypt and Norway. Merlyn was proud of his Norwegian heritage; he loved to eat lutefisk
and lefse and recited the Norwegian table prayer at many family events.
Merlyn’s passion for farming and ranching is being passed down to the next generations. Son, Marlyn, and Grandson,
Taite, are currently operating Green Valley Stock Farm.
Merlyn is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janice; his daughters, Brenda Czmowski (Ron) of Black Hawk, SD; Renae
Rausch (Ron) of Aberdeen, SD; Lori Mayer (Scott) also of Aberdeen; son, Marlyn, of Selby, SD. Granddaughters, Kayla
Frank (Matt), Elliott and Leo; Tawna Rezac (Nick), Brant and Nolan; Gina Sweet (Ethan) and Isaac; Terra Cano (Sean) and
Graydon; Megan Czmowski, Sierra Thorstenson, Madison Thorstenson, and Jasa Mayer. Grandsons, Taite (Bella) Rausch,
Dakota (Summer) Thorstenson and Jaycion, and Justin Mayer; sisters, Vivian Perman, Java, SD; Claris Hanson, Sioux City,
IA; Bernice Thorstenson, Kennewick, WA; Ione Podgore (John), Fort Worth, TX; and brother, Ervin Thorstenson (Judy),
Selby, SD.

Merlyn was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Ingrid Thorstenson, infant twin sons, and an infant great grand-
son, Tayson Cano.

4 – Pederson’s Broken Heart Ranch