Gale H. Thorson, 87, of Waseca, died suddenly Friday morning, August 21, 2009 at Lake Shore Inn Nursing Home, Waseca. Gale had been ill since early July. Gale was born December 16, 1921 in Millville, Iowa the daughter of Orin and Blanche (Kauffman) Ferris. Gale served in the Army during WWII serving in the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign. After her honorable discharge in 1945 Gale returned to her civilian occupation as a telephone operator. Gale was united in marriage to Arnold Thorson on May 22, 1948 in Dubuque, IA. She worked for Northwestern Bell until her retirement. Arnold died in April of 2002. Gale is a lifetime member of the Owatonna American Legion and the VFW and served as poppy chairman for a number of years. Gale enjoyed music and played the harmonica with the Owatonna Ramblers. For many years, Gale was an active volunteer in the community. Gale is survived by her daughter Lynda Thorson Dent and her son in-law William R. (Bill) Dent, Jr. of Eagan MN; her beloved granddaughter, Erin Dent Neese and grandson Brion Neese of Eagan, MN; sister Eileen Schneider (Leo) of Potosi, WI and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold; her parents; 2 sisters and 3 brothers. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Friday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Memorial services to celebrate Gale''s life will be held Friday, August 28, 2009 at 10:00 AM at Michaelson Funeral Home with The Reverend Julie Malone officiating. Interment will be in the Ft. Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Memorials are preferred to the Trinity Lutheran Church, Owatonna or to the Steele County Contact Organization. Visitation: 08/28/2009 09:00 08/28/2009 10:00 Service: 08/28/2009 10:00