Harry Thomsen Jr.
World War I
Some of this man's story was copied from his brother, Paul's, as they of course had the same family and both were in the military.
Harry Thomsen was one of four sons born to Harry and Mary Thomsen: Harry Jr., Paul, Carl and John. At an early age, Harry Jr. and Paul began the operation of Thomsen Sand and Gravel Pit southeast of town.
According to Paul's family history in the Osmond Centennial Book, the farm the family lived on there had a creek that "provided the boys with many outdoor activities, such as fishing, hunting and trapping, in addition to farming, the sand and gravel business and the harvesting of ice in the winter months." Although Paul graduated in 1914 from Osmond High School, it looks like none of the other boys graduated, including Harry, which wasn't unusual in those days. When the U.S. became involved in World War I, both young men joined the military, Harry in the U.S. Army Infantry and Paul in the U.S. Navy.
The application for military headstone, which usually gives information about a man's service, did not have anything on Harry except that he served in WWI, not even the years or the unit he served with.
He married Anna Ertzner on March 31, 1918, at the home of her parents southeast of Osmond. They had six children: Evelyn, Earl, Helen, Irene,
Violet and Margie.
Upon their discharges from the service, Harry and Paul operated the gravel pit together, first as a dry pit and later as a washed gravel pit. Their partnership ended when Paul died in 1928 following an injury at the gravel pit. Harry then operated the business alone, with the help of a cousin, "Ike" Thomsen, until Harry's son Earl became associated with him.
Harry was very active in the community, volunteering with community projects even after a hard day's work at the gravel pit. He was a member of the American Legion for 57 years and served as commander and finance officer. He was also a member of the village board from the mid-1930s through the mid-1940s, serving as chairman most of that time.
Harry was a member of the Osmond Fire Department, serving as vice president in 1936, and was a member of the Osmond Gun Club. He was an active sportsman, loving nature, hunting and fishing.
Harry retired in the early 1970s, and died Jan. 26, 1975, at Osmond General Hospital. Military funeral services were held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and he was buried at the Lutheran cemetery.
Besides his brother Paul, Harry's son Earl also served in the military, with the U.S. Army. He served in the Pacific Theatre and received several military honors.
