To view the flowers from Elwood's service, click here: Elwood Thorpe Flowers

Elwood Thorpe, 92, longtime Minot car salesman and state legislator died on March 29, 2021 in a Minot healthcare center.

Elwood Clifton "Woody" Thorpe was born on February 5, 1929 on the family farm in Hoffman Township of Bottineau County near Antler, ND to Clifford and Gladys (Feland) Thorpe. He was raised on the family farm and attended a rural school prior to graduating from Mohall High School. He continued his education at the North Dakota State School of Science where he received specialized training as an auto mechanic and welder. He returned to the Antler area and farmed with his father.

Elwood married Jean Weiskopf on March 24, 1951 at Vincent United Methodist Church in Minot. They made their home on the farm prior to moving to Minot in 1955 where Woody was employed as a mechanic at Fisher Motors. He then owned and operated Mallard Motors where he sold new and used vehicles. Later, he was employed as a car salesman at Auran/Ryan Chevrolet and started a family run snowmobile business. Many good times with family and friends were had as a part of Sno-Jet Racing Adventures.  Also, during this time he maintained farming and ranching interests in the Antler area as well as leasing mineral rights. More recently, he was a state legislator from the 5 ^th District (1991-1994 and 1997-2010).

Woody was a member of the Elks, Dakota Cruisers Antique Car Club, Northern Plains Corvette Club, Sons of Norway, Legion of Leaders and ND Snowmobilers Association. In his younger years he was a Golden Gloves Boxer and his passion was anything related to motors.

Elwood's loving family includes his wife of 70 years: Jean; children: Terry Clifford (Pam) Thorpe of Minot and Stephanie Lynne Thorpe of Fargo; granddaughter: Toridwaters Jean Thorpe; great grandchildren: Orion M. Thorpe and Astrid B. Waters and several cousins.

Woody was preceded in death by his parents.

To my grandfather, Representative Elwood Thorpe. To the man who moved mountains, advocated for accessible education, and voted to protect women's rights. A man who honored the voices of voters for healthcare and forged a future for generations to come. Thank you for your patience, kindness, and hard work. I hope to emulate you and continue your work. We hope you're riding shotgun in fast cars, forever watching over your great grandson and great granddaughter. We are going to miss your winks and smiles, snow white combed back hair, and strong hands. Most of all, I'll miss the conversations we had ~ Your granddaughter, Toridwaters Thorpe.

Public Visitation: Thursday, April 8, 2021 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.  Attendees are encouraged to drive their antique cars to the funeral home.

Private Celebration of the Life of Elwood Thorpe: Friday April 9, 2021 in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Public Graveside Service: Friday April 9, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in the Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church Cemetery, rural Antler.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the organization of the donor's choice.