E. Dorris Thysell

E. Dorris Thysell, 90, completed a magnificent life on Tuesday, February 9, 2016.

Dorris was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on January 30, 1926. Named Eleanor Dorris Alexander, she and her twin sister, Anna Dorienne, joined the family of parents J.M. and Bertha Alexander, and siblings Pauline and Andrew.

Dorris and Dorienne both attended Moorhead State Teacher’s College, and in 1947 Dorris accepted a position teaching Math and Science in Hawley, MN. Both twins married Hawley men and raised their families there.

Dorris and Willard had four children – Carol, Gloria, Thom and Paul. The family enjoyed summer vacation trips, a lake cabin on Pelican Lake, and reveled in every holiday trimmed out with Dorris’ skillful cooking.

Dorris and Willard Thysell were business owners in Hawley. They owned the Thysells’ businesses of hardware and farm implements. Dorris’ teaching career in Hawley and Lake Park left an impression on students, whom many remark that Mrs. Thysell truly made a difference. Community involvement was vital to Dorris, and the village she loved. She served on the Hawley Park Board and School Board. Instrumental in the beginning of Dollars for Scholars, building of the city pool and Westgate Park; her impact still remains in Hawley. Dorris was active in her church. A woman of strong faith, she was a living example of unselfishness and love. She cared for her husband during his long challenge with Alzheimer’s disease. Willard passed away in October of 2000. Sadly, seven months later, Carol died from cancer at age 51.

Dorris will be remembered for her caring nature, gracious generosity and creative ambition.

She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband and daughter.

She is survived by daughter, Gloria Vern Bancroft; sons Thom Chris Thysell and Paul Thysell; son-in-law, Mark Opgrand; grandchildren Kyle, PerryRobyn and Jeremy Bancroft, and Alex Tia and Rachel Thysell; great-grandchildren, Rainy and Birdie Bancroft, Kami and Evan Thysell.