Naomi Thoen

Naomi Thoen of Harris passed away Tueday, September 18, 2023 at Ecumen in North Branch at the age of 89.

Naomi Elizabeth Schleicher was born on November 29, 1933 to Frank and Emma (Marklowitz) Schleicher in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was the seventh of nine children.

Naomi’s mother passed away when she was only 4 years old. She and her siblings were raised by her father in the great depression era until she moved away from home at about the age of 14. Naomi loved God and enjoyed attending church services, including Shiloh Temple in Minneapolis. She was baptized in Jesus Name and filled with the Holy Ghost during her teen years. Naomi graduated from Minneapolis Vocational High School in 1951 and went on to work in the Dayton’s department store restaurant.

Naomi was married to Clifford Thoen on May 4, 1958. Clifford and Naomi settled in St. Paul and then moved to Harris in 1968. Clifford and Naomi operated a farm for several years while also transitioning to a life of ministry. Their ministry began in the mid-1970’s and Apostolic Gospel Church of Harris became a reality in 1977. Naomi worked hard as a homemaker and was well known and highly respected for her hospitality by everyone who came to her home. Naomi loved to play the piano and sing; often singing for special occasions and always while working around the house. Tragically, she lost her singing voice to throat cancer in 2000.

Naomi became a widow in 2015 with the passing of her husband. She moved to live with her son Andrew (Amber) Thoen in Harris from 2020 until transitioning to Ecumen Senior Living for the last leg of her life’s journey.

Naomi is survived by her son Andrew (Amber) Thoen of Harris; grandchildren Alexis (Brandon) Stroesser of Pine City, Hannah (Ryan) Stroesser of Corinth, Kentucky, Emily Thoen of Oakdale; 6 great-grandchildren Robin, Autumn, Edwin, Jonathan, Andrew and Bethany Stroesser; brother David (Debbie) Schleicher of Illinois; brother-in-law Willis (Rosalie) Thoen of Alexandria; sister-in-law Anne Marie Cornillie of Isanti; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by parents Frank and Emma Schleicher; husband Clifford Thoen; siblings George (Helen) Schleicher, Ruth (Joe) Sleeva, Paul (Jo) Schleicher, Esther (Melvin) Amundson, Mary (Stan) Sleeva, Carol (Rudy) Sleeva, Philip Fritz; brother-in-law Jim Cornillie.

Pastor Alan Hosch will officiate at funeral services for Naomi: 11 AM; Friday, September 29, 2023 at the Apostolic Gospel Church in Harris. A time of visitation and reviewal is planned from 5-8 PM Thursday (9/28) and also one hour prior to the service at the church. The interment will take place in Sunrise Cemetery, Harris. A lunch reception will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the:
Apostolic Gospel Church
43847 Elmcrest Avenue
Harris, MN  55032

Arrangements are entrusted to the Funeral And Cremation Service of Rush City-Olson Chapel.
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com