Stanley Rodney Thomsen (Rod), aged 92, of Everly, Iowa, passed away peacefully,surrounded by family members,on Tuesday, January 3, at Community Memorial Health Center,in Hartley, Iowa. Rod was born on November 13, 1930, in Hartley. He was the only child of Fred and Jennie Thomsen. He was raised on the family farmsouth of Moneta, where he attended country school until the 8th grade. He went to Moneta High School, where he met his wife-to-be, Janet, and graduated in 1948.
After graduating from high school, Rod lived on the family farm until 1952 when he entered the Army. After basic training and communication school, he was sent to Korea where he served with the 40th Infantry Division, 981st Field Artillery Battalion in the Korean War. He attained the rank of Sergeant 1st Class. Rodney was able to return home from Korea in 1954. He was extremely proud of his military service to our country, though he spoke infrequently about those difficult times.
Upon returning from Korea, he married Janet Jean Bobolz on October 24, 1954. Rod and Janet had four children from this union: Terry, Dan, Pat and Lori. Rod loved his family beyond words. Growing up an only child, he always wanted brothers and sisters. He was blessed to have a big family including four kids, seven grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren. There wasn’t a ball game or school activity missed by Rod or Janet. They were involved and committed to watching their children do things they loved and made them happy. This love and involvement will truly be missed by his family.
Rodney, a farmer at heart, lived and worked on the family farm until 1979. After ending his farming career, he went to work for Harms Implement until 1983 to serve the farmers of the area with their implement needs. In 1983 he transitioned to his role as an ag loan officer at the Everly State Bank where he worked until 1995 when he retired from his professional life. In his retirement he worked as a crop adjuster and had many hobbies such as fishing and carpentry work. He continued to make time for his family by working for Terry on the farm, taking fishing trips with the family and vacationing with Janet.
Rod served his church and his community during his life. He was a member of Hope Lutheran Church in Everly where he held the office of President and Trustee twice. He was a member of the Everly School Board when his kids went through the system. He was also a member of the Everly Lions Club and the American Legion.
When Rod’s family thinks about him now that he is no longer here, they will always remember the abundant love and pride that he had for all of them. He would drop everything to be by their side if they needed him. Whether it was working on the farm, helping them through troubled times, or rushing through a snowstorm to be there when his stillborn granddaughter was born, Rod was there. He will be remembered as a very hard and determined worker. Rod’s many years of physical labor took a toll on him as he struggled with arthritis throughout his body in his later years. Rod never met a challenge that he could not or would not face. If Rod put his mind to do something, you better be sure he would do it. He will be remembered for his love of wood working, farming, fishing, his animals, advice, and friendship.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 68 years, Janet, son Terry (Pat) Thomsen of Hartley, IA; daughter,Pat Thomsen of Milford, IA; son,Dan (Paula) Thomsen of Ankeny Iowa; and daughter,Lori (Neill) Johnson of Plymouth, MN. Grandchildren, Leah Malmstrom (Lee), Ben Thomsen (Katy), Jake Thomsen (Mollie), Kyle Thomsen (Rachel), Emily Chisholm (Brian), Erin Thomsen and Charlie Johnson. Great-grandchildren Tyler, Jenna, Beau, Jace, Reece, Grant, Kaycie, Desiree, Teagan, Zachary, Alex and Evelyn. Many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Jennie Thomsen; granddaughter, Hope Johnson;Janet’s parents, Ernest and Lucy Bobolz; brothers-in-law, Leon and Curt Bobolz, Dale Lux, and sister-in-law;Mary Ann Bobolz.