Edward Clarence Thomsen, age 92 of Friendship died Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at Moundview Hospital, Friendship, Wisconsin. He passed peacefully and happily into the waiting arms of our Lord.
Edward wore many hats, but did so love his Church (Trinity Lutheran of Adams), The American Legion, The Honor Guard, The Masonic Temple (Adams and Friendship Lodges), and he held dear the many friends he had in these organizations. He was also a member of the VFW (Elderon) and the Purple Heart Organization. Edward was always a Game Warden at heart and his career at the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation Department) echoed his passion for the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He was a fly fisherman that could read a stream like no other. He was an early pioneer of scuba diving and performed rescue searches throughout Wisconsin. Edward still enjoyed participating in his trap shooting group.
Edward was a veteran of World War II. He enlisted in the Army Infantry, despite having sight in only one eye. He attained the rank of Staff Sargent and served in Sicily, at Anzio, Monte Cassino, Southern France, etc., and crossed the Rhine into Germany helping to liberate a Nazi death camp. He was wounded twice in Europe. Edward was called back into service for the Korean War in 1950 and served in both Korea and Japan. He recently accompanied other Wisconsin Veterans to Washington DC with the Badger Honor Flight.
He was born June 4, 1920 in Pulcifer, (Shawano County) Wisconsin to Edmund and Lenora Bergner Thomsen. He married his childhood sweetheart, Pauline Cannaday, September 6, 1947. They celebrated their 65th anniversary this year. Pauline survives him, along with their daughter Pamela Thomsen Fleishauer (Frederic). He is further survived by grandchildren Matt, Andy, Eli, Alyssa, Forrest and the great grandchildren. His sister Merceda Van der Veen and Mark Hemmrich also survive him. His parents and three other sisters, Lilian McNulty Grabs, Alice Feavel and Isabelle Thomsen preceded him in death.
Edward was known for for his story telling and sense of humor. He had a love of poetry and the ability to recite long poems from memory. He was incredibly courageous with a generous spirit. Edward’s treasure was his family and his friends. We know that he would want to tell all those he loved, “Be of good cheer!”
Burial will be at a later date in the Elderon Cemetery.
Memorial Services will be 1:00 p.m. at Roseberry’s Funeral Home Saturday, November 10, 2012. Pastor Bob Fisher of Trinity Lutheran Church in Adams will officiate. Friends may call at Roseberry’s on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the beginning of a Masonic Memorial Service which will begin at 12:45 p.m. Military Honors will be presented by the Adams County Honor Guard immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Adams County Food Pantry, P O Box 647, Friendship, WI 53934-9236.
Pauline, Pamela, and family. I am sorry to hear about your loss. Ed was a wonderful man who I hold a special place in my heart. He was always patient and ready for any advice or story when needed! Heaven has gained a truly magnificient person!
I’m sorry for your loss.
As a retired conservation warden, I knew and liked Ed very much. Actually, I knew him before I became a warden because I rode with John Goberville, a warden who worked with Ed. I had taken the warden test in 1955 and wanted to learn more about the job in order to be hired.
Our family showed horses at some of the same shows at which Pam showed. I remember her having a half-Arab, half-Quarter Horse that could beat us sometimes. These are pleasant memories.
In our family he was and will always be remembered as “Uncle Ed”, a tribute from when we were small children. Truly, he was a kind, sincere man and gentleman. His contributions to God and country are huge and he exemplified the conservation warden spirit. How glad I am to have been touched by “Uncle Ed” and I thank God for Ed’s presence among us.
He spent a lot of time serving this community. We’ll greatly miss him at trap shooting, the American Legion, Fri. morning breakfast, the dairy breakfast, the chop suey suppers and many other community events. We forever hold wonderful memories in our hearts. Our prayers are with you. Becky & Tom
It is so sad to hear of Ed’s passing. Pauline & Ed have been a bright light in our church. His presence will be missed tremendously. Prayers to Pauline and family.
We are so very sad to hear of Ed’s passing. He was a wonderful man; always cheerful and would brighten any room he walked into. Our sincerely condolences to Pauline and family. Ed will be truly missed. Prayers to you all. Jeff & Laurie DeVaney
I am a Senior at Adams-Friendship High school, last spring I had the opportunity to interview Mr. Thomsen and few other of amazing men of our American Legion. I was also able to get to know him and the others while shooting trap at our local club. I marveled at his remarkable stories, they have left a lasting impression and have helped shaped how I view the world. I can honestly say that Mr. Thomsen was one of the most interesting people I have ever had the chance to met. I am saddened for your loss and the community’s loss of such a wonderful man.
Ed was my Scout leader, family friend and the one who instilled im the desire to become one of Wisconsin’s finest a Conservation Warden. He was my Supervisor when he was at Black River Falls and a good friend. I’m proud to have known him and served under him.
My deepest and sincerest sympathy to Pauline, daughter and and the rest of the family.
Pauline,
Very sorry to hear of Eds passing. He had some great hunting stories. My sons and I enjoyed the deer hunts with Ed and Don at the old golden ranch. Lots of great memories.
Family of Ed Thompson. I knew Ed from teaching hunter safety wih him a few times and from Masons. He always had a kind word for all those he knew. I talked to him on his last Monday and even though I had not seen hm for quite a while he remembered me by name and we chatted a bit. Hold each other close and his memories closer. He was a great guy
Sympathy in your loss…Karen Hartwig Rathke (Mesa AZ.)
I am so sorry for your loss! Ed was a very special man. My thoughts are with you at this time
So sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts.
Quinnell’s Quality Septics
We are sorry to have our friend Ed leave us. Every time I am a part of the Adams Co. honor guard I will think of Ed.
I remember Ed bringing over a freshly caught trout for my Dad. Also remember Pauline and Ed from church. Was a very cheerful and great to talk to person. Sorry to hear of his passing.
David and Sarah Ottosen
Pauline, Pam & Family
We are so sorry to hear of Uncle Ed’s passing.
There are nothing but fond memories of a kind and gentle man.
He touched so many people with his wit.
I think that is what we will miss most of all (his endless stories).
Our prayers are with you.
Mike & Cindy