J. Shirley Thomsen

J. Shirley Thomsen, 100, of Clear Lake passed away suddenly surrounded by family Thursday, November 28, 2024 at her home.

Memorial services to honor her life will be held 2 p.m. Friday, December 13, at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 1st Ave. North, Clear Lake. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. She will be laid to rest beside her husband and family at New York Cemetery, in Millerton.

Jeanne Shirley was born August 7, 1924 on the family farm in southern Iowa. The daughter of Clark and Reba (Keller) Cutler, Shirley grew up on the farm, attending school in Chariton. Following graduation, she continued her education at secretarial school and began work beside her sister, Ruth, in Des Moines and later San Diego, Calif. At a dance in Okoboji, Shirley met the love of her life, Eugene “Gene” Arthur Thomsen. The couple was married December 18, 1949 and were blessed with four children, Christine, Clark, Curtis and Gary. Their early years were spent in Cherokee before moving to Clear Lake to raise their family. When the kids were grown, Shirley worked as a legal secretary for law offices in the area, later working as a secretary for local churches. She looked forward to time spent working at the Village Store, and volunteered much of her time at Zion Lutheran Church.

Shirley was a woman of quiet strength and unwavering resilience, with a positive attitude that brightened every room she entered. After the passing of her beloved husband, Gene, in 1984, she embraced life as a widow with remarkable independence, never letting challenges define her. A devoted mother and cherished friend, Shirley’s calm demeanor, forgiving nature, and nonjudgmental spirit endeared her to everyone she met. Her faith guided her throughout her life, evident in her dedication to Zion Lutheran Church, where she sang in the choir, embarked on mission trips to Mexico, bringing handmade curtains and care packages to those in need and quilted blankets for charitable causes. Shirley was also known for her thriftiness, always finding resourceful and creative ways to make the most of what she had. A lover of life’s simple joys, she delighted in time on the golf course, looked forward to dancing to Big Band music at the Surf Ballroom and surrounding venues, games of Bridge, and scenic drives. Even after being declared blind, Shirley refused to let her condition limit her, discovering innovative ways to continue enjoying her hobbies, including her love of books. She looked forward to the annual classic car parade, which eventually became a gathering of family and friends to celebrate her birthday—though she kept her age a well-guarded secret. Shirley’s love, creativity, and optimism will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Surviving are her children, Christine (Joe) Steffl, Mankato, Minn., Clark Thomsen, Arvada, Colo., Curtis Thomsen, Aurora, Ill., and Gary Thomsen, Clear Lake; grandchildren, Naomi (John) Armendariz and Nicole (Mike) Hodge; great-grandchildren, Sebastian, Madeleine, Quinn and Truman; as well as extended family and cherished friends.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Gene; grandson, Tim Steffl; parents, Reba and Clark Cutler; and sisters, Ruth and Betty Anne.

Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.