Gerald John Thortsen

Gerald John Thortsen, the son of Hans and Ella (Zinn) Thortsen, was born March 15, 1931 in Hartley, Iowa. His childhood years were spent in Hartley, where he received his early education. Following his schooling, he helped his dad on the farm. After leaving Hartley, he farmed in the Superior, Iowa area. In 1957, he started working for HyLine Hatchery in Spencer. Gerald married Shirley Gerlach on October 10, 1970 at the Tangney Hotel in Spencer. In the late 1970's, he went to work for Spencer Municipal Utilities, retiring in 1996. Over the years, Gerald and Shirley enjoyed dining at the Elk's Club for many years. He also enjoyed fishing and camping, old time music and baking homemade bread. During the holiday's, he would always make a sour cream raisin pie for his son-in-law, Duane. In his later years, following Shirley's death, he enjoyed listening to the music of Little Joe's Band, watching the show 'Ice Road Trucker's' as well as watching boxing. He passed away at his home in Spencer, Iowa on Wednesday, October 3, 2012 at the age of 81. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents: Ella and Hans Thortsen and two sisters: Oleatha Ebert and Helen Hoops. Left to cherish his memory are his three children from a previous marriage: Dorene Nelson and her husband, Duane of Jackson, MN, Michael Thortsen of Bloomington, IL and Robyn Jessen and her fianc�, David Spillman of Northfield, MN; his grandchildren: Jason Thompson, Tasha Jasper, Nicole Hall, Jessica Jessen, Eric Thortsen and Kelsey Thortsen; many great grandchildren; his nieces and nephews: Sharon & Ed Page and Jerry and Jean Ebert; other relatives and friends.

SERVICES

OFFICIATING

CASKET BEARERS

VISITATION

MUSIC

INTERMENT