Merna Helen Thomsen

Merna Thomsen, age 94, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Monday, September 11, 2023, at St. Joseph Villa Nursing and Rehab in Omaha, Nebraska. Memorial Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 23, 2023, at Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Marshall. Following a reception at church, interment will be in the Hendricks Cemetery in Hendricks, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to her celebration, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, also at the church.

Merna Helen Hansen was born to Peter "Hans" and Mary (Hagensen) Hansen in Tyler, Minnesota, on May 28, 1929 and grew up in Tyler.
 
On July 20, 1947, Merna married Arnold Thomsen in Hendricks, Minnesota, and they shared their love and life together, living in Thomsenberg (MN), Long Beach (CA), Crawford (NE), and finally Marshall (MN). On September 25th, 1949, Merna and Arnold welcomed a daughter, Janet Gail into their lives.  Merna loved spending time with and cooking/baking for her family.  She cherished time spent with her family and Merna always provided love and support. 
 
She was a devoted homemaker and mother for many years, but also worked various jobs at JC Penney's, Kristi's Closet, and Wee Moderns in Marshall as well as The Hilltop Motel in Crawford, Nebraska.  Merna and Arnold also owned and operated Southwest Restaurant Equipment in Marshall for several years.  She was an active member of Christ Evangelical Lutheran Church for many years and enjoyed volunteering in support of the church.
 
Merna Helen Thomsen, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend passed away on Monday, September 11, 2023, in Omaha, Nebraska. She had reached the age of 94 years, 3 months, and 14 days. Blessed be her memory.
 
Merna is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Janet (Pat) Sheldon of Iowa City, IA; grandson, Jeff (Shannon) Sheldon of Omaha, NE; granddaughter, Jill Kendall of Bonner Springs, KS; sister, Marie Berg Schmahl of Crawford, NE; nephews, Peter (Peggy) Berg of Deerwood; Paul Berg of Tyler; niece, Cheryl (Mike) Witt of Crawford, NE; five great-grandchildren, Noah, Sidney, Jentry, Jackson, Elyse; great-great-granddaughter, Brynlee; and many other family and friends.
 
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arnold Thomsen; grandson, Patrick Sheldon; brother, Jens Hansen; brother, Delno Hansen; nephew, Clark Berg and cousin, Clydie Larsen.