Wayne Thorson
2018 Inductee
Wayne Thorson grew up in Hendrum, Minn., a small farming community on the banks of the Red River, 30 miles north of Moorhead. After a stand-out high school basketball career, Thorson answered the call of duty by serving in the South Pacific during World War II.
After returning from the war, Thorson met and married his wife Bev. The Thorsons started Thorson Construction in 1958 before acquiring the Bemidji-based company Ritchie and Tell in 1962. The company was subsequently renamed Thorson, Inc., and soon became one of the largest suppliers of asphalt and aggregate in the area.
Thorson has been a regular volunteer and philanthropic supporter for many local Bemidji-area organizations, including the BSU Foundation, WoodsEdge Senior Campus, North Country Health Service, Sanford Health of Northern Minnesota and First Lutheran Church.
In 2017, Thorson was awarded the Bemidji Area Chamber of Commerce’s Charlie Naylor Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication and service to the Bemidji area.
Thorson lives in Bemidji.
Previous Honorary Alumni Award Winners
2018
Marla Patrias
Wayne Thorson
2017
Justice Anne K. McKeig
2016
Lisa Bollinger
Rob Bollinger
Dianne Hanson
Dr. Richard Hanson
Dr. Darby Nelson
Geraldine Nelson
2015
Jeffrey Kemink
2012
Paul Bunyan
2011
Susan Marvin
2010
Dr. Jon Quistgaard
Dr. Trish Quistgaard
2009
Don Shelby
Joe Dunn
2008
Alex Cirillo
2007
Paul Wellstone*
Sheila Wellstone*
2006
Kathleen Blatz
2005
Jack St. Martin
Gerald Vizenor
Robert Deeds
2004
Joe Lueken*
Robert H. Peters
Herb Brooks*
2003
Edgar Hetteen*
* deceased
1999
Naomi Zelinka
1998
Mary Lou Brandvik
Dr. Paul Brandvik
Rick Maynard*
Dr. Ray Nelson*
Frances Peterson*
1997
Dr. Eben Calder
Dr. Jack Downing
Dr. Don Dyrhaug*
Ardis Gillett*
Tim O'Keefe
1996
Edward Aalberts*
Rebecca Eggers*
Dr. Fulton Gallagher
Jack Hoeschler
Linda Hoeschler
Dr. Tom Swanson
Gary Torfin*
1995
Dr. Robert Decker*
Dr. Leslie Duly*
Donald Eng
Dr. Lowell Gillett*
Dr. Beatrice Knodel
Charles Naylor*
William Naylor*
1994
Dr. Art Lee
Don Zuehlke*
1993
Chester Anderson*
Dr. William Britton
Dr. Raymond Carlson
Dr. Samuel Chen*
Dr. Harold Hagg*
Sally James-Lehmann*
Dr. Harold Peters*
1992
Dr. Ruth Howe
1991
Marie Bishop*
Hazel Hogenson*
Dr. Myrtie Hunt*
1990
Dr. Phillip Sauer*
* deceased