Rev. E . Thor Foss

Rev. Edwin Thor Foss, 87, of Fergus Falls, MN, was welcomed into the presence of his Savior on Friday, August 8, 2025, at home, surrounded by his family.

Thor was born on May 16, 1938, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, New York, to Ingvald and Marie Foss. He grew up in Brooklyn, attending Public Schools 170 and 259, and graduated from the High School of Aviation Trades in 1956. He also served with the Air National Guard. A gifted athlete, Thor played competitive baseball in high school and was named Most Valuable Player as a pitcher in Metropolitan New York and New Jersey. He received multiple opportunities to turn pro, including a contract from the New York Yankees, but turned them all down to answer God’s call to pastoral ministry.

Thor attended Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, graduating in 1962, and went on to earn his Bachelor of Divinity from the Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Philadelphia in 1966, followed by a Master of Divinity from Lutheran Brethren Seminary in Fergus Falls in 1967. He faithfully served Lutheran Brethren congregations in Great Falls, Montana; Huntington Station, New York ; Cranston, Rhode Island; Succasunna, New Jersey; Paramus, New Jersey; and Nanuet, New York.

On June 16, 1962, Thor married the love of his life, Lillian Tjornhom. For 63 years, they shared a marriage marked by deep love, steadfast faith, and a shared passion for people. Together, they raised five sons: Kevin (Debi Christenson) Foss of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, David (Michele Lutz) Foss of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, Peter (Heidi Reinertsen) Foss of Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania, Terry (Christa Port) Foss of Lakeville, Minnesota, and Andrew (Jenna Wallace) Foss of Clinton, Iowa. Thor was Dad and Grandpa in the fullest and richest sense of those words. He delighted in his fourteen grandchildren: Jordan (Annie) Foss, Nick Foss, Mackenzie Foss, Madison Foss, Olivia (Trevor) Antuña, Micah Foss, Elle Foss, Eric Foss, Jane Foss, Aidan Foss, Sydney Foss, Talan Simmons, Keatyn Simmons, and Kollyn Foss, and one great-grandson, Brooks Foss. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Sig, and his sons Kevin Thor and Kevin Scott.

Thor’s life was shaped by his favorite verse, Jude 1:22: “And some have compassion, making a difference.” He had a pastor’s heart that extended far beyond the pulpit. Whether preaching the gospel, spending time in unhurried conversation, or bringing joy with his uniquely Thor sense of humor, he made people feel seen and loved. His legacy is one of deep compassion, unwavering faith, and lives changed because he lived out God’s love in tangible ways. His greatest joy was pointing people to Jesus, starting with his own family, where his love for the Lord continues as a deeply rooted legacy.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at Bethel Lutheran Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Interment: Oak Grove Cemetery, Fergus Falls, Minnesota