Obituary of Alice Thomsen

Alice Thomsen was born on September 25, 1924 in rural Irene, SD to Martin and Christina (Guldhammer) Swensen.  She was baptized and confirmed in Turkey Valley Lutheran Church, rural Irene, SD.  She married Virgil Thomsen on September 26, 1943 in Yankton, SD. and  lived in rural Irene and Tabor where Virgil farmed until they moved into Yankton in 1958.

Alice graduated from Irene High School in 1942, received a one-year teaching certificate from Southern State Normal, Springfield, SD in 1943 and then graduated from the University of SD with a Bachelor of Arts Degree,  She taught school for 39 years, including 8 years in Yankton County rural schools as well as 31 years as a first grade teacher in Lincoln School.

Alice spent some time in Abilene, Texas, with Virgil while he was in the Army, returning to Yankton when Virgil went overseas to serve in United States Army in the European Theatre of War during WWII.

Alice enjoyed doing volunteer work in her church and spent much time sewing quilts to be sent overseas to needy families. She also found time to visit friends in nursing homes.  Alice was a dedicated wife and mother. She always had time to listen to and help her kids. All though her family was her life, she took great pride in her teaching profession. Her many, many first graders were her second family.  She and Virgil enjoyed dancing, playing pinnocle, visiting relatives, and the innumerable Thomsen/Swensen family gatherings.  Alice was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, the Dorcas Circle, South Dakota Retired Teachers, Life Member of National Education Association, Senior Citizens, VFW, DAV and AARP.

Alice is survived by three sons:  Dean Thomsen of Yankton, SD, Dennis Thomsen (Amy) of Boise, Idaho, Dale (Skye) Thomsen of Brandon, SD; one daughter, Judy Olson of Montevideo, MN; eight grandchildren: Ken Thomsen, Shelly Schenkel, Mark Thomsen, Molly Ramsay, Jeff Olson, Heather Olson, Heath Thomsen and Zach Thomsen; 14 great-grandchildren and one sister,  Myrtle Andersen of Yankton, SD.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Christina (Guldhammer) Swensen; husband, Virgil Thomsen (1996); eight brothers and six sisters.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, South Dakota Office, 1000 N. West Avenue, #250, Sioux Falls, SD  57104