Thomas Raymond Thomsen

Raymond and Vera Thomsen welcomed their first son, Thomas Raymond on Sept 15, 1948. Tom attended District #28 for elementary school and attended Elkhorn High School. While in high school he played basketball and ran track. He graduated in 1967. Tom joined the Navy in 1968 and was active until 1973. Tom went to Vietnam to honor his country. He earned the National Defense Service medal, the Vietnam Service medal and the Vietnam Campaign medal with Device. Tom met the love of his life, Sandra Dee Jensen, and they were married December 7, 1974. They had three children, Christopher, Thomas, and James. He loved coaching Chris in basketball in his middle school years and watching him play football for the Antlers. Tommy was musical, and to see his talents at his concerts made Tom proud. Tom enjoyed watching Jim play baseball and also worked at some of his games. Tom and Sandy were blessed with three grandsons, Dawson, Brady and Ryder, and two step grandsons, Landen and Greyson. He loved keeping up with their activities and watching them grow and learn, cherishing every moment spent with them. Tom was born and raised a farmer. He worked with his dad on the farm while growing up and upon his return from the service. He worked side by side with his brother, John, for more than 50 years, raising hogs and growing corn and soybeans. Tom’s nephew, Scott, joined the farming operation and Tom was a mentor to him, teaching him some old ways of farming and listening to Scott’s new ideas. When Jake was hired, he became part of the farming family. Harvest was Tom’s favorite time of year, loving when Chris would come out and join the crew. Many days ended enjoying a cold one at the Dreessens’ shop, swapping stories and comparing yields. Tom served on the Board of Directors at the Farmers Union COOP in Gretna since Jan 2005. He was on the County FSA Committee board and a member of the Elkhorn Eagles Club. Tom loved to play softball and bowl. He enjoyed playing games with grandkids and watching sports. He looked forward to attending county fair tractor pulls, demolition derbies and car and tractor shows around the area. He liked playing cards and going to dinner with friends. His favorite evening dessert was ice cream with chocolate syrup. Neighbors could find him reading the paper and drinking coffee on the front porch. Tom was an all-around hard working good guy, driven to get things done. He was always there for his family and friends. He will be remembered well and missed by many. Tom was preceded in death by parents Ray and Vera Thomsen. He is survived by wife Sandra, sons Christopher (Jamie), Thomas M. and Jim (Ashlie) Thomsen, grandchildren Dawson, Brady, and Ryder Thomsen, Landen Triplett, and Greyson Plym, brothers Daniel (Diane) and John (Mary) Thomsen, and special aunt Marlene (Gary) Diercks. Funeral service 10:30 AM Thursday at Bethany Lutheran Church, Elkhorn. Interment with military honors at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Elkhorn. Visitation Wednesday 5-7 PM at Reichmuth Funeral Home, Elkhorn. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Bethany Lutheran Church or the family for later designation.

Thomas Raymond Thomsen

September 15, 1948 - August 25, 2024