Ben Thomsen, age 97 of Underwood, ND, died Wednesday, December 21, 2005 at the Prairieview Nursing Home in Underwood.

Funeral Services: 10:30 AM Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2005
at the First Assembly of God Church - Underwood, ND;
Rev. Al Johnson, Officiating;
Interment of cremains will be held at a later date

Bernard "Ben" J. Thomsen was born September 5, 1908 at Ruso, ND the son of Thomas C. & Thora (Clausen) Thomsen. He attended elementary school at Ruso, ND and later moved to Underwood, ND. He married Esther Engler on July 21, 1934 at Underwood. Ben was a well-known sheep shearer in the area and operated the Zeller Coal Mine for a couple of years. Ben & Esther purchased a farm north of Underwood where they farmed until their retirement in 1976. The land he farmed is now under present-day Lake Audubon. Ben was a member of the Community Action Board for 10 years and an active member of the Underwood Senior Center. He enjoyed singing, playing pool and cribbage. He is remembered for his precision in framing quilts for his wife Esther. In September 2005, he and his wife celebrated their 71st Wedding Anniversary where Ben carried on the tradition of singing the song "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You".

He is survived by his wife, Esther Thomsen of Underwood, ND; two sons, Erling (Luverl) Thomsen of Sioux Falls, SD, & Ivan (Joyce) Thomsen of Kissimmee, FL; one daughter, Bernardine Cundiff of Sioux Falls, SD; 8 Grandchildren & 13 Great Grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother (Thomas), and sisters (Amelia, Valdo, & Viola)