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Obituary
Norman D. Thomsen, age 91, died August 16, 2018, in Sun City, AZ, after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. He was born February 18, 1927, on his family's farm in rural Brookings County, SD, to Christian and Emma (Sorenson) Thomsen.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II at the San Diego, CA, Naval Base, achieving the rank of Seaman Second Class. After his discharge in 1947, he earned a journalism degree from South Dakota State University.
He and Patricia Westling of Centerville, SD, were married on November 30, 1952. Norm worked in the agricultural chemicals field. Others in the industry soon took note of his communication skills and agricultural expertise, and before long, Ciba-Geigy Corp. recruited him to join their agricultural chemicals team in Ardsley, NY. For the next 32 years, he served in various sales, marketing, and management positions at Ciba-Geigy where he was highly regarded for his ability and dedication.
Norm was engaging, gracious, optimistic, and kind—qualities that attracted a circle of lifelong, devoted friends and contributed to his leadership in Toastmasters International. During his years at Ciba-Geigy, he founded three Toastmasters clubs and served as Area Governor of the organization.
Upon his early retirement in 1984, he and Pat moved to Providence Forge, VA, where Norm extended his career in the agricultural industry. He became well known to northeastern Virginia farmers during his employment with Alliance Fertilizer Company and Montague Farms and his service as president of the Virginia Corn Growers Association.
Norm was an elder of the Providence Forge Presbyterian Church, past president of the Providence Forge Recreation Center, and member of the Providence Forge Ruritan Club.
Norm started every day offering a warm smile and heartfelt greeting to everyone within earshot, whether friend, family, or stranger. He leaves behind a legacy of good will and genuine love of life.
In addition to his beloved wife, Patricia, Norm is survived by daughters, Tamara Thomsen of Brooklyn, NY and Tracie Stackhouse (James) of Farmington, NM; grandsons, James Corey Stackhouse of Farmington, NM and Timothy Stackhouse of Tucson, AZ; great-granddaughter, Aviana Stackhouse of Farmington, NM; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Loraine Cline, and brothers Arnold, Alvin, Luverne, and Leslie.
A memorial service and burial will be 1PM Friday, Sept. 28th at Komstad Covenant Church, 29987 University Road, Beresford, SD with arrangements by Wass Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials to Providence Forge Presbyterian Church, 9310 Townsend Road, Providence Forge, VA 23140.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II at the San Diego, CA, Naval Base, achieving the rank of Seaman Second Class. After his discharge in 1947, he earned a journalism degree from South Dakota State University.
He and Patricia Westling of Centerville, SD, were married on November 30, 1952. Norm worked in the agricultural chemicals field. Others in the industry soon took note of his communication skills and agricultural expertise, and before long, Ciba-Geigy Corp. recruited him to join their agricultural chemicals team in Ardsley, NY. For the next 32 years, he served in various sales, marketing, and management positions at Ciba-Geigy where he was highly regarded for his ability and dedication.
Norm was engaging, gracious, optimistic, and kind—qualities that attracted a circle of lifelong, devoted friends and contributed to his leadership in Toastmasters International. During his years at Ciba-Geigy, he founded three Toastmasters clubs and served as Area Governor of the organization.
Upon his early retirement in 1984, he and Pat moved to Providence Forge, VA, where Norm extended his career in the agricultural industry. He became well known to northeastern Virginia farmers during his employment with Alliance Fertilizer Company and Montague Farms and his service as president of the Virginia Corn Growers Association.
Norm was an elder of the Providence Forge Presbyterian Church, past president of the Providence Forge Recreation Center, and member of the Providence Forge Ruritan Club.
Norm started every day offering a warm smile and heartfelt greeting to everyone within earshot, whether friend, family, or stranger. He leaves behind a legacy of good will and genuine love of life.
In addition to his beloved wife, Patricia, Norm is survived by daughters, Tamara Thomsen of Brooklyn, NY and Tracie Stackhouse (James) of Farmington, NM; grandsons, James Corey Stackhouse of Farmington, NM and Timothy Stackhouse of Tucson, AZ; great-granddaughter, Aviana Stackhouse of Farmington, NM; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Loraine Cline, and brothers Arnold, Alvin, Luverne, and Leslie.
A memorial service and burial will be 1PM Friday, Sept. 28th at Komstad Covenant Church, 29987 University Road, Beresford, SD with arrangements by Wass Funeral Home. The family suggests memorials to Providence Forge Presbyterian Church, 9310 Townsend Road, Providence Forge, VA 23140.
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Services
Memorial
September
28
Komstad Covenant Church
Starts at 1:00 pm
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