Truman Thykeson

Truman Odell Thykeson passed away peacefully on January 7, 2026 at Mayville Luther Memorial Home in Mayville ND at the age of 89. He was born Oct. 5, 1936 in Steele County, North Dakota to Olga (Rud) and Ebenhard Thykeson. He grew up on the farm and attended Primrose #3 school and graduated in 1954 from Portland High School.

Upon graduation, he attended Wahpeton College for diesel mechanics before enlisting in the US Army where he was stationed in Germany. He was honorably discharged early to help on the family farm. On Oct. 10, 1959 Truman married Janice Evanson at Perry Lutheran Church. They raised four children on Brookdale Farm in Steele County where he farmed first with his dad and brother, followed by his son and finally with his grandsons.

Truman served as treasurer for Bang Lutheran Church, involved in Steele County Farm Bureau, secretary for the Portland Farmers Elevator, clerk for Sherbrooke township, and on the board the Steele County Museum. He and Janice started farming in 1959 until retirement in 2003. Besides farming, Truman was Mr. Fix It!. He restored their ’57 Dodge for their 50th wedding anniversary, so he could take the same car, on the same trip with the same gal as he did on their honeymoon.

Upon retirement, Truman & Janice enjoyed spending their winters in Apache Junction, AZ. They enjoyed numerous bus trips to Branson MO, visits to Medora for the musical, Hostfest and Big Iron. They also made trips to Norway over the years to cultivate relationships with their Norway family. In 2019 he was selected to go on the Honor Flight to Washington DC for military veterans.

Truman is survived by his son Bradley (Karla) Thykeson, Portland, ND; daughters Nancy (Ron) Hull, Libby, MT; Wanda Gage, Mayville, ND; Michelle (Art) Cota, Gridley, CA. His grandchildren Greg (Samantha) Thykeson, Stephani (Lucas) Teske, Ross (Amber) Thykeson, Samuel Cota, Ty Cota and Kennison Cota along with twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Kathryn (Leon) Erickson and brothers-in-law Marvin Hagen, Dale (Arlene) Evanson, Lyle Evanson, Wayne (Jan) Evanson, Bruce Evanson, Brian Evanson; sister-in-law Bonnie Balstad and Bonnie Evanson.

He was preceded in death by his wife Janice; parents Olga and Ebenhard Thykeson; brother Kenny Thykeson; sister Ruth Hagen; sister-in-laws Shirley Thykeson and Deana Marks: brothers-in-law Mike Balstad and Merle Evanson; son-in-law Ken Gage.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Luther Memorial Home for their care the past 5 years and team from HIA Hospice. We request no flowers be sent; memorials preferred to Luther Memorial Home, Aurdal Lutheran Church, or donor’s choice.

Visitation: Will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral service: 10:30 AM Saturday, June 13, 2026 at the Aurdal Lutheran Church in Portland, ND.

Burial: will be at the Bang Lutheran cemetery in Portland, ND.