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1930 George 2023
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George Erwin Thorsen

December 6, 1930 — December 19, 2023

Sun Prairie

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George E. Thorsen, age 93, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, went home to be with Jesus on December 19, 2023.

George was born on December 6, 1930, to Oscar and Esther Thorsen in Kansas City, Kansas, and grew up in Leavenworth, Kansas. He served in the United States Airforce during the Korean War where he taught aircraft maintenance and electronics. George had the ability to fix almost anything or change it so it would work better. He met his first wife, Betty (nee Karnuth), while installing a bank vault door when she was assigned to keep an eye on him. They married in 1958 and had 4 children, Nancy (Grant) Geigler, Penny (Tom) Taylor, Holly Clark, and Matthew Thorsen. Betty went home to be with Jesus in 1996.

George spent the majority of his career working for Harnischfeger Corporation in Milwaukee, WI, where he was granted 7 patents for the design of prescription wheels for overhead cranes. He traveled the globe consulting with some of the largest industrial companies in the world.

His passion for airplanes and flying led him to build his own experimental aircraft. He was an active member of Chapter 18 of the Experimental Aviation Association. Matthew is also a pilot and will continue to fly the plane that his Dad had built.

George met his second wife, Kay Minter, while volunteering for the Gideons International and they travelled the world serving the Lord. They both were active in the Dane County prison ministry program meeting weekly with groups of individuals seeking to learn more about the gift of salvation. Kay passed in 2013, but George continued to serve until he was 90.

George is survived by 9 grandchildren: Grace Geigler, Sam Geigler, Charlie Taylor, Katie (Sean) Olson, Natalie (Tyler) Dix, Abigail (Alex) Christensen, Ryan (Amanda) Wiseman, David (Kat Vanderspek), and Jennifer Wiseman; and 8 great grandchildren; Jasmine Holman, Gabby Geigler, Fulton Olson, Lila Ray Christensen, John, Lydia and Audrey Wiseman, and Charlotte Wiseman-Vanderspek. The family also includes Jeanette Schey, George’s dearest friend and companion, and Eric Farness, his confidant and care giver.

A memorial service will be held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 300 Broadway Drive, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, on January 17, 2024, at 11:30, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will start at 10:30. Memorials to the church or Gideons International are appreciated. The Cremation Society of Waukesha is serving the family.

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