Gary LeRoy Thomsen

Gary L. Thomsen, 78, of Atwater died Monday, September 24, 2012, at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, September 29, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Grove City. A visitation will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Trinity Lutheran Church on Friday and one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery. Gary was born November 18, 1933, in Gurley, Nebraska, to Paul and Margaret Thomsen. The Thomsen family moved to a farm north of Grove City in 1945. He attended country school. On October 27, 1951, he was united in marriage to Betty L. Flanders. They were given the gift of almost 61 years together. Their love and devotion to each other and their family was evident to everyone who knew them. They were blessed with three children. Gary and Betty bought the Thomsen family farm and farmed until he retired in 1995 and rented out his farm. Gary was born to be a farmer; he had a deep love and understanding of the land. However, Gary couldn't stand to be idle. After selling his dairy herd, Gary worked for the Willmar Sales Barn. In his retirement, he worked for Field Auction Company, Magnuson Sheet Metal, and helped with planting and harvesting for Jerry Magnuson and Rick and Joe Flanders. In 2007, Gary and Betty built their retirement home in Atwater. When Gary moved from Nebraska to Minnesota, he brought his horse Duke. Gary's family always had horses. He was a member of West Central Saddle Club Association, the Atwater Saddle Club, and the Minnesota Quarter Horse Association. Gary enjoyed riding in parades with his family, competing in horse shows, and watching his sons compete in horse shows. Ford vehicles and John Deere tractors were also a source of pride for Gary, as he owned many throughout the years. Gary enjoyed making woodcraft items to give to family, donate to charity events, and sell at craft fairs. Gary was active at Trinity Lutheran Church. He was head usher, ushered for funerals, donated woodcraft items for the church bazaar, and enjoyed the fellowship of his many friends at Trinity. Gary will be remembered as a man of integrity and compassion. Gary's passing will leave a deep void in the life of his family. He never missed a family gathering and enjoyed being surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was so proud of his family and appreciated every moment he spent with them. He will always be remembered as a man devoted to his family. Gary is survived by the love of his life-his wife Betty, daughter Nancy (Tom) Deadrick, son Dennis (Marie) Thomsen, sisters Midge Schmidt, Lois Olinger, Marion Jones, mother-in-law Ellein Flanders, six wonderful grandchildren, and eight beautiful great-grandchildren. Greeting him in heaven are his son John, his parents, and three sisters. Previous Events Visitation Friday, September 28, 2012 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Trinity Lutheran Church 54384 Highway 12 East Grove City, MN 56243 Visitation Saturday, September 29, 2012 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Trinity Lutheran Church 54384 Highway 12 East Grove City, MN 56243 Visitation Saturday, September 29, 2012 10:45 AM First Lutheran Cemetery of Grove City Grove City, MN 56243