V. L. (Joe) Thorson, age 91, of Golden Shores, Arizona, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 26, 2017, at Western Arizona Regional Medical Center. Joe was born April 1, 1926 in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Andrew and Magna Thorson. He was a man who never met a stranger, he remembered nearly everything he'd ever heard, and was one of the best storytellers of all time. Joe was preceded in death by his grandson, Raymond Hughes; and his five siblings, Henriette, Thelma, Raymond, Alden, and Ethel. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 72 years, Doris; daughters, Susie Hughes and Donna Thorson; son, Vern Thorson Jr. and his wife Kathi; grandsons, Brian Thorson and Scott Thorson; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, friend to all, and truly a member of the Greatest Generation. The family would like to thank the PCU nurses at West Arizona Regional Medical Center for their loving care and support