Norman Emil Thorsen

Norman E. Thorsen, 93, of Waterville, IA, died Friday, April 6, 2018, at Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon, IA. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, April 10th, at 11:00 AM at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church in rural Waterville with Pastor Bill Odermann officiating. Burial will be at Waterville Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call one hour before services at the church. Martin Funeral Home in Waukon is handling the arrangements.

Norman Emil Thorsen was born September 24, 1924, in rural Waterville, IA, the son of Emil and Agnes (Larson) Thorsen. He was baptized at Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church and attended Waterville Elementary School. Norman and his family moved to Denver, CO, where he was confirmed at Our Saviors Lutheran Church and he attended Lake Jr. High. The family also lived in Sioux City, IA, Chicago, IL, and St. Paul, MN.  In 1938, the family moved back to Waterville. Norman graduated from Waterville High School in 1942. He attended NICC in Calmar, IA, where he received a degree in bookkeeping and carpentry.

Norman farmed in Paint Creek Township, rural Waterville, where he raised cattle, chickens, hogs, and crops. He was a member of Waterville Lutheran Church until it closed and then he joined Old East Paint Creek Lutheran Church. He enjoyed carpentry work, woodworking, canning, especially jelly and jam, and was an avid reader.

Survivors include two brothers: Theodore (Cassie) Thorsen of Roselle, IL, and Wilbur (Sandie) Thorsen of Grande Blane, MI; a brother-in-law Howard (Sally) Olson of Kennesaw, GA; four nieces; and two nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; a sister Arlene Olson; and a brother Glenn Thorsen.

Honorary casketbearers are Orville Bratrud, Carlton Christianson, and Bill Collins. Casketbearers are Sean Bresnahan, Rob Grangaard, Ian, Ken, and Kent McCormick, and Mark Vanderkolk.