Norbert “Nub” Lowell Thorsen, 90, of Grand Meadow, Minnesota, finished his long and successful life on Sept. 16, 2017; his last days spent at the Grand Meadow Health Care Center with his family around him.

He was born Feb. 9, 1927, in Pleasant Valley Township, Mower County, Minnesota, the son of Thomas and Gladys (Rhoten) Thorsen. Norbert graduated high school in 1945 from the Grand Meadow Independent School District where he played football and formed lifelong friendships. He served in the U.S. Army stationed in Japan during the occupation following World War II.

Norbert married Helen Louise Carpenter of West Concord, Minnesota, on Sept. 24, 1955, at the Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minnesota. They lived in various Minnesota towns including Rochester, Ely, and Spring Valley before settling down in Grand Meadow to raise their family. After Helen’s death in 1991, Norbert married Genevieve Blom Thorson on Aug. 9, 1997, at Hoflanda Lutheran Church near Elkton, Minnesota.

Norbert owned and operated Thorsen Hardware in Grand Meadow from 1969 to 1979 and afterward returned to trucking, operating his own company until he retired. He was a member of the Grand Meadow Lutheran Church and the Harry T. Anderson American Legion Post in Grand Meadow.

Norbert enjoyed watching Superlarks high school sports (especially football), going golfing on Sunday mornings, and spending time with family and friends. He loved giving good-natured teasing to anyone who he thought looked like they needed it. If he wasn’t home or at work, he might be found catching up on the local news over a gin and tonic at Skjenke Bom’s. He was especially pleased to be able to watch his grandchildren grow up; and more recently, he was quite proud to become a great-grandparent. He was a good man.

Norbert is survived by his four children, Steve (Judy) Thorsen of Grand Meadow, Russ Thorsen of San Francisco, California, Tracy (Sara Fernholz) Thorsen of La Crosse, Wisconsin, and Peggy (Brian) Meany of Mason City, Iowa; three grandchildren, Nicole (Alex) McRae of Hamden, Connecticut, Kelsey Meany of Laconia, New Hampshire, and Autumn Thorsen of River Falls, Wisconsin; two great-grandchildren, Callahan and Emerson McRae; several beloved nieces and nephews; and Gen’s children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents his siblings, Maurice and Betty; his first wife, Helen; and second wife, Genevieve.

The funeral will be held 11 a.m. Thursday Sept. 21, at Grand Meadow Lutheran Church in Grand Meadow with the Rev. Beth Krolak officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the Grand Meadow Cemetery. Visitation will be held 4-7 p.m. Wednesday Sept. 20, at the Hindt Funeral Home in Grand Meadow and will continue for one hour prior to the service at the church.

Condolences may be left at Hindtfuneralhomes.com.