Lorene was born on June 29, 1935, to William and Frieda 'Feye' Ruether on a farm northwest of Hooper, Nebraska. Lorene grew up on the farm, moving to their own farm south of Hooper when she was a child. She attended District 23 country school, near her home. She graduated from Hooper High School where Alan Thomsen was a classmate. She served as senior class president and he as vice president. They became engaged before he began his two years of Army service. Meanwhile, she lived in Fremont and worked for Dr. Joseph Simmons and at Gambles and Hanson Audit Company.
Alan and Lorene were married on March 3, 1957, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, rural Hooper. They began farming northwest of Fremont, and together managed ''Poverty Ridge Farms'' until moving to Fremont in 2003. Lorene helped with the bookkeeping, managing bean-walking crews, and much more.
She was a member of First Lutheran Church, and she loved serving for more than 25 years as a Red Cross Volunteer at the Fremont hospital. She was a listener. For a time she served as a volunteer for the domestic abuse crisis line. Family genealogical research was a special passion of hers for many years. Because of her hours of work and all the stories she uncovered, we know more about who we are through knowing those who came before us. Her family in Germany was dear to her and she enjoyed their many visits back and forth.
She loved her five grandsons deeply. They have many memories of how they experienced that love: being picked up from the school bus for a combine ride, going to her house to get a shower between work shifts, fast food trips together, her ever-present camera documenting games and concerts, her full presence and listening ear. Her house was always a place where the boys' friends were welcome. Her smile and kindness and concern for those around her was appreciated by others.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Frieda Ruether, daughter Linda, and brother Leonard Ruether.
She is survived by her husband Alan Thomsen of Fremont; daughters Diane (Ron) Harpster and Gayle (Al) Jessen, Fremont; brother, Glenville (Vickie) Ruether, Hooper; sister-in-law Betty Ruether, Scribner; grandsons Mark Harpster, Fremont, Jeremy Rasmussen, Frisco, TX, Evan Harpster, Chicago, IL, Zach Jessen, Fremont, and Matthew (Jasmin) Jessen, Norwich, UK. She is also survived by beloved nieces and nephews and many of her grandsons' friends who knew her as a welcoming grandma presence in their lives.
A memorial service will be at 10:00am, Saturday, October 26, at First Lutheran Church in Fremont. A coffee time will follow. Family and friends are invited to visit with the family from 5:00-7:00pm, Friday, October 25, at Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel, Fremont. A private burial will be at Bluffs Trinity Lutheran cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Oaks Indian Mission.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(5)
Karen Carstensen
Fremont, NE Friday, October 25, 2024 I am so sorry for your loss. Lorene was one of my favorite customers when I worked at Longacres. You are in my prayers as you celebrate her life.Nancy Schroeder
Blair, NE Monday, October 21, 2024 Diane, Gayle and family,We remember your mom from those early 4-H days and she was a quiet, listening presence. We remember your family in prayer as you mourn and celebrate her life.
Jeannene Sanders
Lanett, AL Saturday, October 19, 2024 Gayle , I know we are only Facebook friends, but you have helped me so much more emotionally and spiritually than you know .. I lost my Daddy not quiet a year before my mama , I only thought it hurt so bad to lose him ..... Until I lost HER . Praying hard for you my dear friend 🙏🙏🙏Susan Siebler
Fremont, NE Friday, October 18, 2024 Alan. Diane. Gayle and family.I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. Our families go back a long way. My mom still talks about her old high school times with Lorene and their other friends and her brother Leonard. I know those times still mean alot to her. Of course remember fun old times too when your family came over to visit or we went to your house when we were kids. I'm sure your memories and love will help you through this hard time. Thinking of you all.
Bauers
Fremont, NE Thursday, October 17, 2024 So sorry to read about Lorene's passing. She and Alan were such good neighbors on East 8th Street. We missed them when they moved.Our deepest sympathy to Alan and family.
Dave & Sonja Bauers.