Emily Joann Thorson November 8, 1926 - January 5, 2024… with her “dash” filled with many acts of thoughtful and generous kindness to all! Born 97 years ago to Ernest Jay and Gladys Lucretia Narbett Burgert, she was joined 3 years later by brother, Billy Ernest.

Emily graduated from Horton H.S. in 1944, where she met Deane and always said she was “smitten” with him. They were married on June 12, 1948, and were blessed with 70 years of marriage.

Emily went from “city girl” to a dairy farmer- wife. They raised 4 children on their dairy farm. One of their greatest joys was becoming grandparents. Even with a demanding dairy business, they made attending their children and grandchildren- activities a priority.

Because of Deane- involvement with the Dairy Council and having 3 sons still on the farm, they were able to visit all 50 states; always making time to see family and friends. After selling the dairy cows, they enjoyed 5 international cruises.

Emily attended KU, while Deane was in WWII. She then worked as a teacher, substitute teacher and at the Student Loan.

She enjoyed sewing, cooking and all sorts of crafts. She remembered family and friends with photos and newspaper clippings in notes and cards… The post office will miss her!

Emily and Deane organized their HHS reunions for 73 years and also KU reunions with friends. Emily was actively involved in many organizations and became a PEO “Star” member (50 Years) as age 95!

She was active in various roles at Zion Lutheran Church. She said her greatest contributions was typing (and printing) every page of Zion- Centennial history book on her vintage black typewriter… with Deane editing.

When moving to Mission Village, she was determined to showcase a wall of her dear friend, Elsie Brandt- mouth water color paintings and history. Such a joy to honor Elsie.

Emily is survived by Pat (Mike McGovern); his children, Ryan (Danielle) and Charlie, Sam and Sullivan; Kathleen and Mackenzie, Carson and Mason; Randy (Connie); their children, Elizabeth (Joey) and Beau Deane and Cooper; Blake (Kendra); children, Addison, Brooklyn, Carley and Kamryn; Mark (Tambra); their children, Mark Jr. and Katherine; Darren; his children, Brent (Kayla) and Hadleigh, Rafe and Emmerleigh; Cole (Machaela) and Sophie, Eliana and Annika; sister-in-law, Linda Burgert. Emily was preceded in death by her husband, Deane on Christmas Day 2018, her mother on Christmas Day 1971, her father , step-mom, Vina and brother, Bill.

A very special thank you to Marc Linton for preserving our family- history with his DVD treasures! And also to Emily- nursing home where she made new friends and received loving care.

Emily will be cremated and a celebration of her life will occur at Zion Lutheran Church this summer.

Any memorial contributions may be made to Emily Thorson memorial and please designate either Zion Lutheran Church or Cancer R.I.P medical debts and may be sent in care of the Dishon-Maple-Chaney Mortuary who is in charge of arrangements.