Gale Thomsen was born to Fred and Anna (Due) Thomsen on April 29, 1942, on a farm three miles west of Cordova. He passed away Nov. 10, 2020, at Fairview Manor in Fairmont, at the age of 78 years, 6 months, and 12 days. He was the youngest of five boys.
Gale grew up on the family farm near Cordova. He graduated from Exeter High School with the class of 1960. He then entered into Fairbury Junior College, graduating in 1962, and Kearney University, graduating in 1967 with a teaching degree in history. Gale married Cynthia Wilken on April 4, 1963, and to them two boys were born, Tim and Neal. Gale and Cynthia raised the boys and farmed near Cordova. Gale was involved with the Cordova Boy Scouts, leading as his sons moved through the organization. He also enjoyed reading, watching sports and he had a keen interest in history, especially the Civil War and the old west.
Gale was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Anna; brothers. Richard Thomsen, Roland Thomsen and Warren Thomsen.
Gale is survived by his wife, Cynthia of Exeter; sons, Tim Thomsen of Texarkana, Texas, and Neal and Tara Thomsen of Palmyra; three grandchildren, Mackenzie, Paxton and Bristol; great-grandson, AJ; brother, Vernon and Grace Thomsen of Gretna; sister-in-law, Lois Thomsen of Exeter; brother-In-law and sister-in-law, Dan and Lana Wilken of Beatrice; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
It was Gale's wish to be cremated and a memorial service will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cordova. Pastor Michele Kanzaki will officiate the memorial service. A private graveside committal of ashes will take place at a later date in the Zastrow Cemetery at Cordova. A public visitation and book signing will be Friday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Church in Cordova or the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Condolences may be left for the family at www.farmerandsonfuneralhome.com.
