Eloise S. Thomsen

Thomsen, Eloise S. 1/17/17 ~ 10/21/14 Eloise had many interests. She enjoyed sewing and gardening. Although hired as a house cleaner, she was more than that to the families fortunate enough to hire her. She became friend and companion. The work performed was very similar to the services currently provided by the Home Instead organization. Besides helping with housecleaning, Eloise drove to doctor and hair appointments, to the grocery store and the Laundromat. Whatever was needed, Ellie was available. Some remember Eloise as a babysitter. She had a love of children and always enjoyed being with them. Possibly, that love was what motivated her interest in the Orphan Train registry. The gathering of names, places and stories became her passion for over 25 years. She became a source of information for individuals researching familial connections with orphans, their descendants or anyone interested in learning about the Orphan Trains. Ellie did informative talks to groups, small and large, about the orphan train riders and their contribution to American history. The registry of orphan train information is now held by the Nebraska Historical Society in Lincoln. Eloise and her husband, Armand, were known to many as social club members. The club list included the Danish Sisterhood, the Danish American Club and the Scandinavian Folk Dancers. Their efforts with the various Danish organizations led to participation with the Omaha Ethnic Festival. It also must be said that not only were they Vennelyst Park members, Eloise and Armand were responsible for the cleaning of the pavilion and grounds for many years. Eloise was a creative person. The American bicentennial celebration in 1976 prompted her to make a very unique quilt illustrated with scenes from Nebraska. She didn’t know at the time that eventually photographs of the quilt blocks would be combined with cowboy style poetry to become the book, “Patches and Poetry”. Eloise loved to recite poetry for anyone who wanted to listen, and she often encouraged would-be poets. She shared her gift of creativity with everyone. Armand presented her with a piano during their time at the restaurant. She taught herself to play and never stopped. She played marching music for the Danish Women’s Drill team. She entertained listeners all the way to Marquis Place assisted living and to the Golden Living-Valhaven Care Center in Valley. She was pleased to perform. Eloise was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church. Ellie was a positive thinker and lived her life confident in the goodness of others. She was a loving, generous and caring person with more than her share of patience. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, neighbor and friend. Eloise believed in the promise of resurrection to eternal life and knew well the love of Christ Jesus. One of her favorite verses was the 23rd Psalm. Eloise is preceded in death by her husband Armand Zahle Thomsen. Survived by her children: son Janus Thomsen and Connie Schlenker; daughter Karen and husband William Thomas; daughter Pamela Thomsen and husband Richard Jebens; sister Dorothea “Dot” Wehling; brother Richard and wife Dona Schellin; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; other relatives and lots of friends. CELEBRATION OF LIFE 2pm Friday, October 24, 2014 with family receiving friends one hour prior at Braman Mortuary 72 St. Chapel Braman Mortuary 72 St. Chapel 1702 N 72 St Omaha, NE 68114 (402)391-2171 CELEBRATION OF LIFE 2pm Friday, October 24, 2014 with family receiving friends one hour prior at Braman Mortuary 72 St. Chapel