Thomas Willard Thysell

February 26, 1954 — May 4, 2018

Thomas Willard Thysell (64) sailed peacefully from this life into life eternal on Friday, May 4, 2018.

He was born on February 26, 1954 to Willard and Dorris (Alexander) Thysell. He was baptized and confirmed at Hawley Lutheran Church. He graduated from Hawley High School in 1972, and in 1976 he graduated with a major in business from the University of Minnesota.

On August 19, 1978 he married his wife of 39 years, Christine (Solum) Thysell at Hawley Lutheran Church. Thom and Christine moved out to the countryside of Pelican Rapids shortly thereafter, where they raised their two children, Alex and Rachel.

Directly after college he began working for the family business, Thysell Bros., Inc. in Hawley. Following that, Thom enjoyed spending time on the road as a travelling salesman of agricultural products. He was also a school bus driver for Christianson Bus Service in Pelican Rapids.

Faith was always very important to Thom, and it lead him to serving on many church councils and committees. He also sang in the Grove Lake Church Choir, played in the Band of Faith and enjoyed gathering with his men's Bible study group.

Thom’s passions included his 1966 Mustang convertible, time at their Pelican Lake cabin, and sailing. His second love, after his family, was his 22’ sailboat named “The Sandpiper”, which led him into many years of sailboat racing with the Pelican Lake Yacht Club. He also raced with his good friend Dan, leading them to races in many other waters including the ocean waters of Florida.

He is preceded in death by his father (Willard), mother (Dorris), sister (Carol), father-in-law (Robert) and two brothers-in-law (Steve and Vern).

He is survived by his wife, Christine; son, Alex (Tia) Thysell of Elizabeth; daughter, Rachel Thysell of Fargo; grandchildren: Kami and Evan; sister, Gloria Bancroft of East Grand Forks; brother, Paul Thysell of Rosman Lake, Lark Park, MN; mother-in-law, Donna Solum; and his nieces and nephews: Kyle, Perry, Jeremy, Stacey, Jim, Kelsey, and Torii.

Thom will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

A celebration of life will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 12, 2018 at Grove Lake Lutheran Church, rural Pelican Rapids, MN. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Burial will be in Grove Lake Cemetery.