John David Thoreson, age 72, of St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026. He was born on September 29, 1953, in Carlton, Minnesota, to Kermit and Gloria (Steele) Thoreson.

John was a lifelong handyman and a man who took pride in being able to fix, build, and lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. Above all else, he was deeply devoted to his family. He treasured time spent together, whether it was cheering from the sidelines, sharing a laugh, or simply being present for life's everyday moments.

A passionate sports fan, John loved baseball, football, hockey, and basketball—with a special place in his heart for baseball. He devoted many years to coaching his children in Little League in Hopkins, Minnesota, and served as president of the league, leaving a lasting impact on countless young athletes. His love for the game carried through the years as a loyal season ticket holder for both the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Gophers.

John was known for his outgoing and personable nature. He had a gift for bringing people together and creating lasting memories, none more cherished than his many trips to the Minnesota State Fair with family, often returning multiple times each year. In his later years, he took immense pride in being his grandchildren's biggest fan, enthusiastically supporting each of them in all of their activities and accomplishments.

He is survived by his children: Stephanie (Andrew) Charnstrom, Justin Thoreson, Alex (Kelly) Thoreson, Samantha (Kevin) Cleland, and Taylor (Adam) Paulsen. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, Madelyn and Max Thoreson, Olivia and Skylar Cleland, and Justin and Kobe Thoreson, who brought him endless joy and pride. John is further survived by his siblings: Gloriann (Jim) Kepler, Christine (Greg) Grover, and Bill (Barbara) Thoreson, as well as his nieces and nephews, Jennifer, Joe, Jessica, Steffani, Gunner, Gavin, and Ella.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kermit and Gloria Thoreson, and by Lenora Thoreson, his stepmother, Kermit's second wife.

John will be remembered for his kindness, his generosity, his love of family, and the joy he found in life's simple pleasures. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the family he cherished so deeply.

John will forego a formal funeral or memorial service in lieu of a Celebration of Life, to be scheduled at a later date. In place of flowers, memorials are preferred to Our Lady of Peace Hospice in St. Paul, Minnesota, which provided exceptional end-of-life care for John and his family and is supported entirely by donations. Contributions can be made at:
https://ourladyofpeacemn.org/donate/