Rev. Thomas O. Williamsen's Obituary
Rev. Thomas O. Williamsen, age 91, went to be with his Heavenly Father Wednesday, August 5, 2009 in Muskegon. He was born on October 8, 1917 in Chicago, IL to Sigvald and Selma (Gabrielsen) Williamsen, and served the Lord in many different places around the world. Rev. Williamsen was ordained on June 19, 1949 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Muskegon and served parishes in Frost, Minnesota, Onawa, Iowa; Eltingville, New York City; New Era, Michigan, Interim Pastor for many congregations in Western Michigan and Visitation Pastor in New Era, Michigan and Muskegon. He also served as Friend of the Court in Grand Haven, Michigan following his discharge from the military. He always had a special interest in prison ministry. Rev. Williamsen’s military service was extensive, having served in the U.S. Army from 1941-1945 and again from 1957-1972. He was a man of peace and a messenger of God’s love in places where peace and love were out weighed by conflict and violence. His service in the military was focused on ministering to the soldiers and the civilians he encountered in each location where he was stationed. He helped provide housing, food, clothing and spiritual care for German refugees escaping East Berlin. He participated in often contentious religious conferences between German pastors on either side of the Iron Curtain. He was highly valued by the Evangalische Kirche (West Berlin), and helped build schools in Korea and churches in war torn South Vietnam. Rev. Williamsen received many military decorations/medals/awards: 3 bronze stars for valor, Purple Heart, Meritorious commendations from the United States Army, Republic of South Korea, and Republic of South Vietnam. On December 20, 1941 he married the former ViviAnn Lucille Johnson at Fort Leonard Wood, and she survives him along with 2 children, Rev. Dr. Thomas P. (Faye) Williamsen of Annapolis, MD, Rev. Joanne M. Williamsen, licensed psychologist of Minneapolis, MN; 3 grandchildren, Kaaren Williamsen, Erik (Carolyn) Williamsen and their daughter, Sylvia; and Michelle (John) Rothery and their children, Emma and Luke. Rev. Williamsen was preceded in death by his 4 siblings. SERVICES will be 11 AM Saturday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church with Rev. Karen Biggerstaff officiating. VISITATION with the family will be 2-4 and 7-9 PM Friday at The Walburn Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc. 1547 W. Sherman Blvd. 231-759-8565. Burial will take place in Restlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.
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