Obituary: Raymond Thomsen

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Raymond Gene Thomsen, 82, of Long Grove, died Sept. 17, 2021, in North Liberty. A family burial with military honors will be held at the Rock Island National Cemetery on Friday, Sept. 24. The family invites all friends and family to a Celebration of Life Open House at Don and Lisa Brunning’s home at 30858 144th Ave., Long Grove, on Saturday, Sept. 25, from 12-5 p.m.

Ray was born on Feb. 13, 1939, in Davenport, the son of Evelyn (Schmidt) and Marvin Thomsen. He served in the United States Navy from 1957 to 1960. Ray retired from Caterpillar after working 25 years and then went on to work at the Rock Island Arsenal for another 15 years. After retirement, Ray continued to stay very busy with growing huge gardens, selling produce, delivering Meals on Wheels, maintaining rental properties, and caring for his mother. Papa Ray will be remembered for his hard work ethic, his willingness to always lend a hand, the fun he brought to canoe trips, enjoying some beers at the pond and especially his love of his country, friends, and family.

Ray is survived by his children: Lisa (Don) Brunning of Long Grove, Danny Thomsen of Davenport, Tony (Carolyn) Meyer of Killeen, Texas, and Riley (Ronda) Meyer of Davenport; seven grandchildren: Donnie Jr., Shayleen, Christopher, Kacie, Tilor, Brooklyn, Aubrey; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Jack Thomsen; and several nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughters Mary Ellen and Brenda; sister, Nancy Lafoon; and brother, Clayton Thomsen; and grandson, Nicholas Brunning.

The family would like to thank Ray’s caregivers at Country View, especially Kelly (the owner and his guardian angel) and her staff for taking such good care of our Papa for the last four years. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made directly to Kelly Quigley, 555 W. Penn St., North Liberty, IA 52317.

 

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