SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Arnold Thomsen, 94, of South New Berlin went to be with his Lord and Savior early Thursday morning, Jan. 26, 2012, in the Chase Memorial Nursing Home of New Berlin, where he has made his home for the past 2 1/2 years.
The son of Janus and Anna Larsen Thomsen, Arnold was born in Flint on Feb. 26, 1917. He grew up on the family farm in the New Berlin area where he attended the local schools. At the age of 24, he left the family home to venture out on his own and became employed by Sisson’s as a truck driver. On April 27, 1941 he married Virginia Daniels in the Rhinebeck Reformed Church, the oldest church still functioning in America. In July of 1945 Arnold went to serve his country during World War II in the United States Army until he was honorably discharged in January of 1946 due to the illness of his wife. Once home he gained employment with the railroad and subsequently worked for John Deere in South New Berlin. He then purchased a farm in the area which he operated with his family until it was sold in 1967.
In 1969 Arnold and his wife moved to Florida, where they shared many happy years. While in Florida he worked for Davmor, a division of Burger King, which manufactured tables and seating for Burger King. Retiring at the age of 65, Arnold was not about to sit still, so he ventured out to do lawn care. In 2005, Arnold and his wife decided to move back to New York, where they continued to make their home.
Arnold is survived by his children: Edward Thomsen and wife Kay, Philip Thomsen and wife Karen all of South New Berlin, Anne Manley and her husband The Rev. Dr. Don Manley of Oxford, Fla.; and his two sisters Christa Fuller and Jennie Chapin. Also surviving are his grandchildren: Lorena Robertson and husband Jeff, Eva Thomsen and husband Jeff Johnson, Natalie Law and husband John, Brian Thomsen and wife Julie, Greg Thomsen and wife Pam, Joe Thomsen, Christie Underhill and husband Rich, Randy Manley and wife Louise and Dana Manley and wife Michelle, 23 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive.
Arnold was predeceased by his wife Virginia on Dec. 17, 2011; his infant son David; and his brothers Chris, Ejler, John, Herman, Clarence and Janus.
Funeral services for Arnold will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday from the Holmesville Baptist Church. The Rev. Romeyn Kipp, pastor, will officiate. Interment will be at a later date in the Riverside Cemetery of South New Berlin.
Friends may call at the Holmesville Baptist Church on Wednesday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at 11.
Please consider memorial contributions to the Holmesville Baptist Church, 3024 State Highway 8, South New Berlin, NY 13843.
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.