Florence Odell Thune

A livestream of Florence's funeral may be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/event/2850205

Mrs. Florence Odell Thune, age 97, passed away January 23, 2023. Florence was born on October 17, 1925, in Binford, North Dakota, to Fred and Olive Oien. Florence graduated from Binford High School.

On their first date, Florence and Wally went to a Bing Crosby movie, sharing a Mars candy bar and an Orange Crush pop with two straws. That first Crush led to a lifelong crush of 68 years of marriage. After serving in the South Pacific during WWII as an aerial gunner with the US Navy, Wally returned home to Binford in 1945, and Florence and Wally were united in marriage. They were blessed with seven children. Florence was a devout Christian, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Florence loved spending time with her family, supporting them in their various activities through the years, and sharing stories of her life growing up on the farm, from walking to and from school in snowstorms, riding their horses, and milking cows as her dad would sell the milk. She had a full life on the farm. Her love spilled over onto her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. From having the grandkids perform Christmas Nativity scenes every Christmas to reenacting a school setting where she was the school teacher, the grandkids were her prized students. Florence loved interacting with her loved ones. One of her favorite stories she used to tell people was when a neighbor said to her, "Florence, you not only have the most kids on the block, you have the best kids on the block". She never disagreed with that assessment.

Florence was a member of Pontoppidan Lutheran Church, and all seven of her children were confirmed there. She had a strong faith in God. She loved going to her circle groups and helping at church events. Two days before passing, Florence played "How Great Thou Art" on the piano. This was quite an achievement as her vision and hearing had deteriorated, and she was unable to see the keys.

When Wally died in July 2013, after 68 years of marriage, Florence lost the love of her life. They were inseparable, and he was greatly missed. A strong faith in God and love from her family and friends helped Florence through this difficult time in her life.

Florence is survived by her daughters, Odell Guss and Diane (Brad) Selseth; sons, Wally (Patty), Jeff (Joan), and Dave; thirteen grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

Florence was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Olive; three sisters and five brothers; sons, Roger and Dennis; twin grandsons, Christopher and Nicholas Thune and granddaughter Aron Brown.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, February 3 at Pontoppidan Lutheran Church, Fargo. The visitation will be one hour prior. Burial will take place at Riverside Cemetery, Fargo.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.hansonrunsvold.com .

Arrangements entrusted to Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home - Fargo, ND.