Duane "Pete" R. Thomsen

Duane “Pete” R. Thomsen, 81, of Pender, Nebraska passed away Wednesday, November 02, 2016 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Pender; with Father Gerald Leise celebrating mass.  Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2016 at St. John’s Catholic Church with a wake service stating at 7:00 p.m.  Burial will be in Rosehill Cemetery in Pender. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.  Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender.    Duane was born January 6, 1935 to Rudolph Martin and Neva Elizabeth (Hooker) Thomsen in Emerson, NE.  He attended country school outside of Wakefield near the family farm.  On June 1, 1963 Duane married Claire (Monahan) at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in South Sioux City, NE.  Together the couple had two children. Duane served in the US Navy and belonged to the Pender VFW.  He was an active member at St. John’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.  Duane was one of the first EMT’s that helped the Pender Volunteer Fire Department acquire their first Rescue Squad.  He also served on the Pender Airport Authority board.  In his spare time he enjoyed tinkering around with plumbing and electrical projects as well as playing pool, golfing, gardening and tending to his flowers, hunting and fishing and playing cards.  Most of all, Duane loved spending time with his family.  Duane is survived by his wife, Claire Thomsen of Pender, NE; daughter, Jolleen (Joel) Splittgerber of Pender, NE; brother, Dale Thomsen (Kate Pruitt) of Asheboro, NC; in-laws, Mike (Jan) Monahan of South Sioux City, NE, Daniel (Rose Ann) Monahan of South Sioux City, NE, Kevin (Jo) Monahan of Sioux City, IA, Tim Monahan (friend, Patty Jenkins) of Jackson, NE, Veronica (Dave) Roberts of South Sioux City, NE; numerous nieces and nephews. Duane was preceded in death by his parents; son, Paul Thomsen; 1 brothers; 2 sister; and 1 sister-in-law.