Tribute Wall
Monday
9
July
Visitation
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Monday, July 9, 2018
Norman Dean Home for Services, Inc.
16 Righter Avenue
Denville, New Jersey, United States
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Robert Campbell-Town posted a condolence
Saturday, March 12, 2022
Mr Thorsen was my grandpa’s neighbor and he used to let me come over and swim in his pool when I was a kid in the 80s. He took me to a Mets vs Braves game when I stayed for the summer, and I used to cut his lawn sometimes. I haven’t seen him since I was a boy after grandpa passed away. He was a good man.
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Leo Finnegan posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Sorry to hear about Hank's passing. He was a great guy.
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Michelle Land and Lars Rørkoll posted a condolence
Thursday, July 12, 2018
Dear Thorsen Family,
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Our condolences,
Lars and Michelle
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John-Erik posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Ingrid, Sonja and Vivien, so sorry to hear about the passing away of your dad, Hank. Please accept my deepest condolences.
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DEB LANDVIK-LARSEN posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
Sonja and family, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing and so sorry we were unable to attend the service, we didn't find out until today. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers and if there is anything we can do for you, please call. I have good many good memories of your Dad when he was with my Dad. God Bless you all and may he rest in peace.
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David O'Connor posted a condolence
Tuesday, July 10, 2018
As anyone who knew our father knows, Hank was a colorful individual. I think he is mostly known for his sense of humor, his stories and one-liners, and his ability to build and fix anything. He had a knack for telling it the way he would see it and keeping it simple. He was his own man and he liked to approach whatever he was doing in his own time and in his own way. Anyone who has done a project with him knows that challenge, but most would enjoy watching his ingenuity in action. He was a big fan of the wheel and anything round such as pipes and dowels that would make moving heavy and large objects much more manageable. He loved to talk to people and would make his rounds in the early mornings, visiting Reinertsen Motors, Jean O’Connor, Art Crane, Tucker Kelly, The Abrahamsens, Bob Andersen, the Hester brothers, and countless numbers of people all before 9 am. He was an avid reader and was an expert on the history of World War II. He had an amazing memory which was evident by his recall of historical facts and the details contained in his entertaining stories.
Through his stories we learned about his earlier life and the people who meant so much to him. He was born in Brooklyn and lived there until around the age of 8. He liked to talk about getting a nickle to pay the subway fair to travel to the baseball stadium to watch the game with his friends at the young age of 7. He recently talked about kids getting potatoes from home and roasting them in an open fire on the streets. Life of a child in Lake Telemark was replete with mischief including hunting for turtles, putting snakes in mailboxes, and sling shot games in the woods. The teams of seven kids would stand on opposite sides of the stream and they would shoot marbles at each other. He said the marbles hurt really bad and he was grateful nobody lost an eye. He also recently spoke of a “cold case” story from his early youth. There was a drought and the stream was dry. He and George Emig decided to open the dam to the lake at the girl-scout camp. It caused quite an upset in the community and the two boys vowed to never speak of it again. The case was left unsolved until his recent confession.
Stories of his later youth in Telemark were characterized by skating, ski jumping, boating and dating. His father said if he “spend as much time studying as he did chasing skirts, he would be an A student”. He liked to talk about meeting a recent immigrant from Norway while working at the Skavnes boat shop, Kjell Skavnes. He told the story of double dating with Kjell, I believe to the prom. He laughed when he described Kjell standing at the door of his date’s house and calling back “Hey Hank what is her name?” He enjoyed telling stories about Ben and his superhuman strength, skiing with Kjell and Norman and the endless trips to Vermont for skiing, boating and hunting. Later those trips would include the next generation and we all have incredible memories from those days. To this day, our father would often characterize cold days as a chair lift day on the North face of Mount Snow. The stories went on and on about Ben, Kjell, Norman, Ragnar, Odd, George, and countless other friends.
Our father loved to tell us about his parents, his in-laws and his extended family in Norway. He was proud of his father’s maritime experiences and his world travels. His mother was a woman of faith and strength. He spent summers working on his uncle’s farm in Mandal, Norway and recalled a time when his uncle was in a battle of wills with his horse which went on for hours. He said “if you give in once, the horse will always win.” Fishing was a great source of joy and they would often catch their dinner. He recently spoke about his interest in a girl he called a “jordbaer jente” because her family sold strawberries. His uncle was not happy about the friendship and told my father in an unusually stern voice not to socialize with her. It turns out her father had been a Nazi sympathizer 15 years earlier during the war and resentments carried on.
Once married, he formed a strong bond with his in-laws. When we were kids, our father would accumulate his vacation time and we would visit family in Norway for a month in the summer. He was always at peace there and found a reprieve from his restless ways. He loved time with our maternal grandfather and tried to get him to talk about his days during his harsh imprisonment as a POW of the Germans. Our grandfather initially would not speak of his experiences. With time, however, our dad learned from our grandfather that after 4 years and upon their release, the Norwegian prisoners that survived learned how good they had it compared to the Russians. My father was a voracious reader and it was impossible to tell him something about WWII that he didn’t already know.
His stories brought us into his world of the police academy and the army. The state police academy was a test like no other and he refused to quit because he couldn’t face his father. He told the story of getting demerits for bleeding on the mat during boxing training and being ordered to clean it up. He was then drafted into the army and found boot camp to be a breeze compared to the academy. He narrowly escaped being sent to Viet Nam and instead was stationed at West Point and served as an MP. He recalled with pride driving for military Generals and President Eisenhower.
He often retold stories from his state trooper days, from harrowing winter pile ups on Rt. 80, comical traffic stops and crazy antics with friends. During an accident involving a fuel tanker, Hank’s common sense and knowledge of all things combustible compelled him to close down Rt. 80. Due to the public outcry because of the road closure, the bureaucrats decided to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and there was threat of disciplinary action. Hank defended his position, I am sure with a few choice words, and he said “you would be holding the bag if there was an explosion and fatalities”. That was the end of that. He would always say, commen sense is not common. He described a traffic stop that ended with the following quote “I go out for a family drive and now I am a convict”? During another traffic stop, the motorist told my dad in Norwegian that he was an exchange student and didn’t speak English. My father responded to him in Norwegian with “I have never known a Norwegian exchange student that couldn’t speak English.”
I would be remiss to not mention his plumbing days with the Grubs. This became the basis of much of his existence. He was always a plumber, even during his state trooper days. As mentioned, he could fix, build and devise anything he put his mind to. These skills would eventually become the gift he would give to people – family, friends and community. You would be hard pressed to find someone whose house my father did not touch. If not directly, he was there indirectly lending tools and advice. He recently helped renovate the houses of two of his grand-daughters. He was also in on two additions at Ingrid and Tim’s house, renovated a bathroom at my house and steadily toiled around Vivien’s home. There wasn’t a project he didn’t know how to do.
I would like to share the two things that make me most proud of our dad. Most of the fun events of his early years were in the context of a party. He was a fun guy and he liked to party. Eventually he came to see that he had, in his words, “a little trouble with the sauce”. The little trouble became a big problem and drinking became a constant companion. I can tell you about this now because he was very open about it. He enjoyed more than 25 years of sobriety. He lived with the realization that one wrong step would bring him down the tubes. He dealt with this by talking about it. He made a choice to change and we have been blessed to have our father, grandfather and our mother’s husband fully part of the family for so many years. I have many times said, if my dad can change, anyone can. He made this choice and we have been so blessed and proud.
The second thing involves change as well. The world is a rapidly evolving place and my father was a conservative thinker with entrenched ways. He has shown, however, when faced between adhering to old and familiar ways or choosing his modern family, there was no contest. He chose to be there and love every member of his family. Now for those of you who do not know stubborn Norwegians, let me tell you what a feat that is. If I asked anyone 30 years ago if he would be sober and enjoying and loving this wonderful family with all the modern characteristics, they would say no way. I do have to take a little credit……I starting to break him in to the concept of change 30 years ago. At that time” it went over like a lead balloon” but today we have a very tight knit family and he enjoyed all the time we have spent together. He understood he was blessed. His legacy is this family of beautiful and caring people that are his grand-children.
As we conclude “another chapter in the book”, I pray for God’s grace and mercy on our EARTHLY father. I pray he is in the arms of our Heavenly Father among the family and friends who brought him joy. I hope that he knows we listened to and loved his stories.
We love you Pop Pop and until we meet again, “Keep the faith”.
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Tom hubert posted a condolence
Monday, July 9, 2018
Sonya sorry to hear about your dad and sorry I couldn’t attend
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Charlie Conklin lit a candle
Monday, July 9, 2018
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Charlie Conklin posted a condolence
Monday, July 9, 2018
So sorry for Hank's passing, my prayers are with you and family, I was a trooper with Hank in Clinton and a few other stations. I livecin Highland Falls so Hank and I always talked about West Point and places around Highland Falls, we did know some of the same peiople and a few of Hanks Army buddies, My dad was the Chief of Police in Highland Falls and worked closely with the Military Police on occassions. I hope to stop by and pay my respects to you and family
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Patricia and Wayne Jarvis posted a condolence
Monday, July 9, 2018
I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. I pray for strength for your family at this sorrowful time.
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Eric Pedersen posted a condolence
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Saddened to hear of Hanks passing.Our most heart felt condolences to you Tante Randi and family.I can only imagine the stories and laughter going on in Heaven right now as Claire,Kjell,my parents and other old friends are catching up.Warmest hugs from all of us.Sincerly Eric,and Wendy Pedersen and family.
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Joyce Garder posted a condolence
Sunday, July 8, 2018
So very sorry for the loss of Hank. He will be sorely missed.
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Nicole posted a condolence
Sunday, July 8, 2018
There really are no words that can express the deep heartbreak I’ve felt the past few days with Pop Pop being gone. It’s hard to imagine what life will look like now without him here. I want to thank family and friends who have sent words of support and have taken the time to share memories. My heart hurts a little less every time I hear the stories about how he has touched other people’s lives. I couldn’t have asked for a better grandpa—the cornerstone of this family I am so blessed to be a part of.
I will miss you so much. I love you Pop Pop.
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Susan Liebenow Cappucci posted a condolence
Saturday, July 7, 2018
I remember cousin Hank with fond memories at Lake Telemark. My mom was Ruth Thorsen. Prayers and Gods Peace to his family.
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Adalberto Sanchez posted a condolence
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Henrick’s family: I'm so sorry for your loss. I went through a similar situation and I was very helped by the hope that I found in the Bible in John 5: 28, which says, "Do not amazed at this, for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out". I am sending you a link with more information on this hope.
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20140101/
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Gregg Selland posted a condolence
Saturday, July 7, 2018
As a little kid, my father ran the Lake Telemark Diner. Hank was always one of the cool teen agers who would hang out there. I guess you could say that he was one of my roll models. Later he would join the NJ State Police and I remember when he joined he became quite the pride of the then Norwegian community of Lake Telemark. Later in life, I decided that I might want to become a police officer too. I had taken and passed 4 exams, including the State Police. I actually had to decide now, just where I wanted to go. I went to Hank, seeking advice. I had always looked up to Hank. At that time the politics in the NJ State Police were an issue and perhaps my decision maker, to take the job with Rockaway Township, a decision I never regretted. Now I was interacting with Hank and many of his fellow troopers. Out of politeness, I can’t tell all the Hank stories that would come out at various police social gatherings at one of the firehouses. The best story is probably still passing around NJ State Police barracks today. It had to do with a skipped class at Sea Girt, when the troopers had to come looking for Hank. Hank might have had one or two the day before and decided that he should go to Norway. Sure enough, his troop car was found at the airport. There are just so many wonderful, some quite zany stories about Hank. What great memories they are for me. He was surely one of a kind.
To his wonderful family, I offer my most sincere condolences.
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Anne Sissener posted a condolence
Saturday, July 7, 2018
Ever since having learned of Hanks passing there has been so many memories swirling about. I carry with me so many fond childhood memories involving Hank and all the Thorsen ladies. So many great summer time moments my parents and I shared boating with Hank at the helm, having fun in the sun, enjoying his wonderfuly humouros jokes and tales. He was a master at delivering fantastic one-liners.
Hank, my father (Ben) and Kjell were three partners in crime back in the day. Oh the shenanigans that went down when the three of them put their minds together. I remember when they had a brainstorm idea and secretly decided to purchase a boat together. When the wives became aware of this collective acquisition, they were far from pleased. When they were grappling over what they should name their new vessel, the wives were more than happy to dub it “The 3 As_ Holes”! This boat continued to break down again and again until karma prevailed, and these crazy boys eventually had to give up their boat toy. Now the three of them are all together again, so the possibilities are endless.
This is just one of my many Hank memories. He leaves us with many great memories/gifts and will truly be missed, but will most certainly never be forgotten.
With Love and Gods Blessings,
Anne Sissener
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Siri Baker posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
May you R.I.P Pop pop. You were amazing. We will miss you very much. :)
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David O'Connor posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
Rest in peace pop pop you may be gone but you will never be forgotten, we all love you and miss you so much. I pray that you are in a better place now with all of your loved ones and you are looking down at us. I hope you are proud of everyone in your life, we are all so proud of you. You were an amazing man and roll model and I hope to be as amazing of a person that you were in your life.
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Andy Krall posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
Dear Randi, Ingrid, Sonja, Vivien: It's with deep sorrow I learned of Hank's passing. Of all my friends in my Lake Telemark youth I always felt that Hank and I had a genuine friendship, ie: Sports( Hockey, Ski Jumping), Work with the Grubb Bros. Plumbing one full summer....He lent me his 54 Ford for part of that summer while he was in Norway, it enabled me to work for the Grubb Bros. when I was home from college. I loved Hank's " matter-of-fact' attitude, as I termed it!! God bless Hank and his entire family...May he rest in peace. I will miss Hank very much.
Andy Krall
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Christine Boyd posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
Vivien,
I am so very sorry to hear of your fathers passing. May the lord be with all of you, during this difficult time. May you cherish all the wonderful memories and hold them close to your heart.
May God Bless you all.
M
Modgunn Festøy posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
I am so sorry to hear that Henk has passed away. He was my brother, Kjell Skavnes’ very best friend and a cherished and dear friend that we consider a part of our family together with the rest of the Thorsen family. I remember Henk, Randi and Ingrid from my very first time visiting Kjell, Claire and Kristian in New Jersey in 1966. I have so many and dear memories from him and the whole family. My deepest condolences to Randi, Ingrid, Sonja, Vivian and the rest of the family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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Gretchen Emig posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
I am very saddened by the passing of Mr. Thorsen. Hank was a great man.I spent a lot of time at the Thorsen house playing with Ingrid, Sonia and Vivien. Mrs. Thorsen making Swedish pancakes for us.
Heaven has received another angel.
So sorry for your loss. May God Bless the entire family.
M
Marilyn and Frank Emig posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Gloria Lennon posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
I am sorry to hear about Hank. He was a very nice man. He and John had some interesting times together. My thoughts are with the family at this time.
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Richard and Ellen Tonnesen posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. God bless you.
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Mary Nowicki posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
Ingrid,
Gene and I are so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Gene only met your Dad once but always said what a nice Man he was. Our prayers are with you and your family.
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RICHARD A Baker. posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
Hank I will surely miss a great friend and family member.All our talks and memories goes back over 50 years from Lake Telamark to Greenwood lake.Morris Hills Regional High School.Even my days as a stupid Idiot .We would laugh at the stories he would tell me about his Partner Gardner Raffa on their stake outs.Love you Frank and I know you are on the road to eternal life.In ancient manuscripts LUC:8:My friends,I am often asked about death,Which seems to frighten most people who consider it the greatest evil,which can befall them.This is a wrong attitude caused by ignorance and spiritual apathy.Death comes when the body has served its purpose or should have done so,and is worn out and ready to break up.The vital force which have hitherto held it together withdraw and concentrate within the soul spirit.it is not the end but only the separation,the severance into two parts,each returning to the place,which it has an affinity.It is not dissolution but renewal.The immortal is absorbed back into its own element without dissolution while the mortal part obeys its own law of decay and renewal.Death destroys nothing except the link between the soul spirit and the perishable body.Hank is on his journey back to the creator may God give you comfort in your time of suffering.Love Richard Chaplain.American legion Riders# 352.
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Carolyn Quinn posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
Ingrid,
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Please know you & your family are in my thoughts & prayers during this time.
Carolyn Quinn
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Larry & Linda Flanigan posted a condolence
Friday, July 6, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Our Deepest Sympathy.
Larry & Linda
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Brigitte Geiger lit a candle
Friday, July 6, 2018
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The family of Henrick H. Thorsen uploaded a photo
Thursday, July 5, 2018
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16 RIGHTER AVENUE, DENVILLE, NJ 07834
(973) 627-1880
info@normandean.com
DAVID G. MILNE, MANAGER NJ LIC. NO. 4301
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Morris Plains & SURROUNDING AREAS OF NEW JERSEY SINCE 1957
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