Thelma E. Thorkelson was born in Fingal and moved with her parents to Valley City, Barnes County, at the age of four. She received her education here. In her senior year she became secretary to the Superintendent of Public Schools, Mr. G. W. Hanna, and served in that capacity for twenty-five years; the last two years as Clerk of the Board of Education. While serving as secretary she completed the four year Professional course at Valley City State Teachers College and received the Degree Bachelor of Arts. She served as secretary of the Valley City High School Alumni Association for 23 years.

The new school library in the senior High School building was dedicated as a memorial to her. Mr. Karl J. Olsen presented an oil portrait of Thelma to the school and in presenting the portrait he said "We have gathered to dedicate an important part of this building to Thelma, just as she dedicated a large part of her life to the schools of Valley City."

Thelma died August 4, 1947.

Source: Barnes County History 1976 Page 249