Lester Bernard Thomsen

MADISON - Lester Bernard Thomsen, age 70, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012, at Oak Park Place in Madison. He was born on July 14, 1941, in Madison, the son of Peter Bernard and Hilda Marie(Buttenhoff) Thomsen. Lester graduated from Madison East High School in 1960. After high school, he worked in the family business, Schoep’s Ice Cream, as Vice President until his retirement in 2004. Lester enjoyed vegetable gardening, hunting, fishing, cribbage, other card games and spending time with his family. He is survived by his children, Eric (Julianna) Thomsen of Cottage Grove, Raina (Kirk) McCauley of Columbus and Ken (Tonya) Thomsen of Waukesha; seven grandchildren, Jackson and Jace Thomsen, Shanna and Tyler Thomsen and Maggie, Maya and Alex McCauley; siblings, Evelyn Koenig, Paul (Judy) Thomsen, Donald (Maja) Thomsen, Walter (Dolly) Thomsen, Caroline (Don) Hansen, Lois (Larry) Gates and Mary (Ted) Snyder; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, the Rev. Harold Koenig. A celebration of Lester’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from noon until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Autism Society of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 165, Two Rivers, WI 54241. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Autism Society of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 165, Two Rivers, WI 54241. A celebration of Lester’s life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from noon until 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012.