Claire Thomsen

Frances Claire (Monahan) Thomsen, 83, of Pender, NE passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Wakefield Health Care Center in Wakefield, NE.  The visitation will be held on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Pender.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Pender.  The 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.  

Claire was born on March 9, 1941, at her home in Jackson, NE to Leo Bluitt and Benetta Loretta (Crowe) Monahan.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith.  On June 1, 1963, Claire married Duane “Pete” Thomsen at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in South Sioux City, NE.  To this union, the couple had two children.

Claire attended Ellis Beauty School to become a beautician and owned and operated the Beauty Nook in Pender for several years.  She later became a CNA and worked for the Pender Community Hospital for several years.  Claire served as an EMT for the Pender Volunteer Fire and Rescue, was a member of the St. John’s Altar Society, active in the Red Hat Society, and was a proud member of the Pender Chamber of Commerce and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary.  Claire was proud of her Irish heritage and hosted annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. 

Claire is survived by her daughter, Jolleen (Joel) Splittgerber of Pender, NE; brothers, Daniel (Rose Ann) Monahan of South Sioux City, NE, Kevin (Jo) Monahan of Sioux City, IA, Tim Monahan (friend, Patty Jenkins) of Jackson, NE; sister, Veronica (Dave) Roberts of South Sioux City, NE; sisters-in-law, Kate Pruitt of Franklinville, NC, Jan Monahan of South Sioux City, NE; numerous nieces and nephews.  

Claire is preceded in death by her husband, Duane “Pete” Thomsen, son, Paul Thomsen; brothers, Patrick Monahan, Mike Monahan; sisters, Benetta Guldy; and infant sister, Mary Monahan.