Dale E. Thornton

Dale Edward Thornton, “Makwa Oshkinin”, joined the world of his ancestors on Friday, September 11, 2015 at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, ND, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Dale was 70 years old.

Dale was born on August 7, 1945, in Union City, Pennsylvania, to Forrest and Lorraine Thornton. His parents, brother David and he lived in Arbuckle Pennsylvania, and later in Fern Creek, Kentucky. He graduated from Fern Creek High School in 1962.

After high school Dale attended the University of Montana UMT in Missoula, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and a loyal Grizzlies fan. Dale interrupted his college education by serving his country in the Navy in Vietnam and then returned to the University to complete his Bachelor of Arts in 1970.

His ‘real life’ work experiences began in April 1, 1972, as he was hired by Don Mullen to work in the Financial Aid office at UMT. He later accepted the Financial Aid Director position at Concordia College in Moorhead, MN and served in that capacity from 1978-2005. In 2006, he became the Director of the Native American Outreach Program at Concordia until 2011. This position allowed him to fulfill his true passion and professional goals of impacting young people’s lives, specifically young Native American lives.

Dale met Mary Lynn Clapp, the light of his life, in 1972 in Kalispell, Montana. They were married in Adams, ND on June 29, 1974. Their sons Brent and Blair Thornton were joyous additions to their family.

Dale had multiple talents and interests that included gardening, canning, fishing, and golfing. He loved sharing his infamous salsa and tomato juice with family, friends, and neighbors. He also had many artistic talents including rock sculptures and writing. Last year he wrote and published a children’s book titled “Grandmother Nika”.

Above all, Dale enjoyed spending time with family and friends – and making new friends. Dale was affectionately referred to by several nicknames: Fern Creek, Thunder, Silver Fox, Makwa Oshkinin Bear Claw.

Dale is survived by his wife of 41 years Mary, and sons Brent Lisa of Maple Grove, MN and Blair Amanda of Moorhead, MN; two grandsons Owen and William, his mother Lorraine Eberhardt of Booth Bay Harbor, Maine and his brother David Thornton of Boise, Idaho. He is also survived by brother-in-law John Clapp Cathy and sister-in-law Jane McBride Wes and nieces and nephews and their families Matthew Clapp, Erica Sherlock, and Amy McBride.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 15 from 5-7 p.m. at Wright Funeral Home in Moorhead, MN. Funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 16, 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Moorhead, MN.

Memorials can be given in Dale’s honor to Roger Maris Cancer Research, MN Boys and Girls Club, Trinity Lutheran Church or any organization that supports programs for American Indian Youth.

Giga-waabamin menawaa – “I’ll See You Again.”

Visitation: Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2015 from 5:00 – 7:00 p..m with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. in Wright Funeral Home, Moorhead, MN.

Funeral: Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015, 2:00 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Moorhead, Mn.