Jerry Thomsen, age 80, of Canby, MN, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Regina Hospital in Hastings, MN. Due to the current CDC guidelines, a private family service will be held at the Houseman Funeral Home, Birk Chapel in Canby, MN. Burial will be at the St. Stephens Cemetery, Canby, MN.
Jerald Gordon Thomsen “Jerry” was born in Canby Minnesota on May 16, 1939 to Elmer and Mabel (Eikness) Thomsen. He grew up on a farm near Porter, MN and graduated from Canby High School in 1957. After high school he attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with a degree in Agricultural Science. While he attended college, he was a proud member of the University marching band playing the sousaphone. The highlight was traveling to Pasadena, CA in 1961 with the marching band to perform at half time; the Gophers first Rose Bowl appearance! Jerry was also an active member in the National Guard for several years.
Jerry married Marlys Sievers, the love of his life, on September 8, 1962 at Zion Lutheran Church near Clarkfield, MN. They were blessed with two children, Jeff and Jodi. Jerry was a devoted husband and father, he always put his family first.
Jerry worked for the Canby Co-op for several years after college until he eventually took over the work at his family farm; which was his life-long calling. Along with farming, he sold Pioneer seed for 35 years at his farm near Porter, MN. He loved polka music and played tuba with several polka bands at local dance halls. He was blessed with four grandchildren of which he loved to spend time playing with tractors and enjoying time at the farm.
Throughout his life Jerry was an active member of Our Saviours Lutheran Church. Jerry passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Regina Hospital in Hastings, Minnesota at the age of 80.
Grateful for having shared Jerry’s life is his wife of 57 years, Marlys Thomsen of Canby; his two children: Jeff (Ashley Markgraf) Thomsen of Hutchinson, MN and Jodi (Lenny) Goins of Chanhassen, MN. He was blessed with four grandchildren: Ayva Wilkening, Aiden, Emmy and Isaac Thomsen and numerous friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Mabel Thomsen and one sister, Joan Vaage.