Paul Elwood Thomsen

Our husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend Paul Elwood Thomsen joined his savior on January 12, 2023, in Boulder Colorado; being a man who liked precision he passed at exactly 12:00 noon. Paul lived a rich life, had two successful careers, was a man of many talents, found solace and grace in his religion, and was devoted to his family.

Born May 1, 1930 in Cotesfield, Nebraska to Danish immigrants Niels and Minnie Thomsen, Paul was raised in Wilson, New York. He was athletic and often told of his sole football game where, because of his track skills, he played one play but scored the winning touchdown. His love of sports was lifelong, and he rarely missed a swim meet, basketball game or soccer match if one of his children or grandchildren were playing. He was an avid CU Buffs fan.

Barely 20 years of age, Paul enlisted in the Navy in 1950 where he was assigned to the flight training section. In February 1953 he was accepted to the Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida. Upon graduation from flight school Paul received his Naval Air Aviator’s Wings and his Marine commission. Paul was very proud of his time as a military jet pilot, often telling stories of his aircraft carrier landings, flying the Hellcat jet in training and the AD-1 Skyraider in Korea, and breaking the sound barrier at 55,000 feet above sea level in a FJ-2 Fury jet. Paul returned to civilian life in 1956 but continued serving in a Marine reserve squadron until his retirement in 1990 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

During and after his military service Paul focused on his education. Taking college classes wherever he was assigned, Paul eventually attended Syracuse University and Hastings College, and received his undergraduate degree. He later received an MBA in accounting from the University of Denver.

Paul married the love of his life, Marilyn Zetocha, on April 12, 1958 in Grand Island, Nebraska. When they first met, Marilyn was working as a bank teller, and Paul always said he fell in love with Marilyn the moment he saw her and never went in any other teller line, no matter if it was shorter. After their wedding, Paul and Marilyn lived in Colorado, eventually settling in Boulder in the early 1960’s.

Paul retired from Public Service Company of Colorado (now Xcel Energy) in 1993 as the Head of Human Resources after over three decades of loyal service. Despite his demanding career, Paul was always one to give to his community. He was active in the Kiwanis Club, raised funds for the Salvation Army, and was a volunteer for the Special Olympics. He also knew the importance of taking care of himself. When Paul and Marilyn weren’t attending their kids’ or grandkids’ sporting events Paul loved to fish the streams and ponds in and around Boulder and play golf at the Boulder Country Club. He was an avid reader and devout follower of the Lord.

Paul is survived by his wife of almost 64 years, Marilyn Thomsen, his sister Beverly Smith, his son John Thomsen (Cami Rea), twin daughters Dianne Gates Baldwin (Bill Baldwin) and Lianne Daley (Darrell Daley), grandchildren Brittiny Johnson, Hailey Shepherd, Travis Shepherd and Maddie Gates, and great grandchildren Isabella and Bodhi Johnson. Paul was loved by many, but none so much as his family. Although they will miss him dearly, they know they are blessed to have had Paul in their lives and will cherish their memories of him.

A service for Paul will be held Friday, January 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Boulder. Internment will immediately follow at Green Mountain Cemetery. For those wanting to attend the service but who are unable to travel or join in person, the service will be live streamed using this link: https://shjboulder.org/massonline-2/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cristmortuary.com for the Thomsen family.