Carl was born in Vanse Farsund, Norway in 1933 and moved to Union County NJ in 1935. Carl enlisted in the Navy during the Korean War and after his honorable discharge, joined the Cranford Police Department. He later moved to the Union County Police department where he remained for 28 years and was recognized with the greatest number of commendations ever received by a policeman there by the time of his retirement. He had a construction business for a time with his son, Carl, and later worked full time at Harrogate Assisted living until retiring after 20 years in 2019.
Carl became a member of the Presbyterian Church of Toms River in 1970 and sang in the choir there for 35 years; he was previously a deacon at the church and participated in several mission trips. In addition to a life of service in the Navy and Police force, his volunteer services included time at the Cranford First Aid Squad and the East Dover Fire Department in Toms River. He was also a member of the American Legion and VFW.
Carl loved woodworking and the outdoors, particularly fishing, camping, gardening, and skiing. He loved to paint pictures and amassed a large collection which he liked to share. He enjoyed spending many decades in Ocean Beach, NJ. He loved his wife, Jane, and his family and he loved rescuing animals. Most times, there would be three rescue dogs living with Carl and Jane and they would have taken in many more if they could. Carl was quiet, strong, and very kind. He will be missed.
Carl is pre-deceased by his parents, Olaf & Amelia Thompsen, his sister Eleanor Ward, brother-in-law, Mickey Ward; sister-in-law Kathy Thompsen, brother and sister-in-law, Earl (Bill) and Virginia (Ginny) Adams. He leaves behind his wife of 59 years, Jane Ellen Thompsen; brother Robert (Bobby) Thompsen of Hazlet, NJ; son Carl Thompsen of Toms River, NJ; son and daughter-in-law, William (Bill) and Christin Thompsen of Allentown, NJ; son and daughter-in-law Glen and Catherine Thompsen, Toms River, NJ; grandchildren Sara Rae (21), William Carl (20), Sophia Janel (20), Matthew Ferris (20) and Adam James (6). Carl also left behind four nieces and nephews as well as four grand nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, November 19th at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main Street, Toms River NJ.
Funeral service will take place on Monday, November 20th at 10am at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River, 1070 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ.
Final prayers and military honors will occur Monday, November 20, 2023 from 1:30 PM to 1:45 PM at Brig. General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 350 Provinceline Rd., Wrightstown, NJ
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Monmouth or Ocean County SPCA’s or the American Cancer Society in Carl’s name.
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