Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. -- Matthew 5
NEW BERLIN – On Tuesday, July 10, 2007 Christian Thomsen made his last trip home into the loving arms of God his Father. He had multiple heart problems over the last eight years.
He was born in New Berlin on Jan. 16,1938 to Christian Sr. and Pearl (Anderson) Thomsen.
He grew up on the family farm, on the Great Brook in Amblerville. He was a graduate of Cornell University at the age of 19 with a degree in animal husbandry. He worked summers for Chenango County Soil Conservation.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Joyce (Morgan), of Greene in 1993. He met and married his present wife, Edith, in May of 1995.
He was a longtime member of the Christ Lutheran Church in Norwich transferring to Trinity Lutheran Church in Stamford in 2003. He became the President of the Church Council in 2004. In his three years he oversaw the excavation of the foundation and expansion of the parking lot. He was effective in securing a grant for an electric replacement organ this year.
Chris was a member of the New York State Grange for 47 years serving in many capacities including District Deputy. In his middle years he was active with the Junior Grange. He began with the Greene Grange, then on to the Norwich Township Grange and become a member of the Colonel Harper Grange in Harpersfield. He was Master of that Grange until the present. He was known by many Grangers all over the state.
Chris worked for Norwich Shoe for 34 years. He worked his way up to a well respected foreman. He retired from Electron Coil of Norwich in 2003 after 11 years there.
He is survived by Edith, his loving wife of 12 years. Chris also leaves his loving brother, David and Margaret Thomsen of South New Berlin. He was readily accepted and loved by two stepsons: Eric and Tish Voorhees and Bruce and Stephanie Voorhees. He leaves two caring nephews from Chenango County, Michael and Marsha Thomson and Bill and Melissa Thomsen.
He will be missed by his six grandchildren: Kelly, Rachel, Meghan, Bryan, Christopher and Jessica Voorhees all of Stamford.
He will be remembered for his ability to quietly mediate any problem. He was also known as the “Pied Piper.” Never having any biological children, he had many children who would come to him on their first meeting him. He loved all children and was respected by all his adult acquaintances. The world was his extended family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Trinity Lutheran Church, Route 10, Stamford, NY 12167 or to the Colonel Harper Grange in Harpersfield.
Funeral Services will take place at 2 p.m. Friday, July 13 in Trinity Lutheran Church, Stamford, with Deacon Glen Schermerhom officiating. Calling hours will be on Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the MacArthur Funeral Home, Hobart. Burial will follow the service at Woodland Cemetery, Delhi.
Arrangements are with the MacArthur Funeral Home, Hobart.