Leola Johannah Thomsen was born on August 6, 1921, in Palmer, Nebraska to Rudolph and Anna (Jacobs) Rubesh.  She passed away on June 5, 2022, in Grand Island Nebraska at the age of 100.

Leola was raised in Palmer and St. Paul, Nebraska. Upon completing high school, she taught school in Cotesfield, Nebraska. During World War II, she packed parachutes for the military at St. Simons Island in Georgia. Eventually, she took an administrative position with Rock Island Rail Road, which is where she met Axel Charles Thomsen.  The two were wed on January 10, 1948, in Des Moines, Iowa and enjoyed 51 years together – farming in Indianola, Iowa and Green Forest, Arkansas.

Leola was a devout Christian who shared God's love through her endless words of encouragement and acts of kindness.  She enjoyed serving others by providing transportation to those at the retirement village who needed it, offering her friendship and support, donating to worthy causes and sharing smiles with her witty humor.  Leola loved flowers, and upon receiving a bouquet she would distribute individual stems to her friends and neighbors.  She always put others needs above her own.

Even in her last years when she wasn't physically able to serve others as she had in the past, Leola continued to make a loving impact. Her joy was contagious and she had a way of bringing out the best in everyone.  She was a classy lady who will be missed dearly.

Leola was preceded in death by her husband, Axel; her parents; and the following siblings (and spouses),  Leland (Doris), Raymond (Ella Mae), Devona (James), Carroll (Margaret), Marjorie (Arnold).  Survivors include her sister, Sharon and many nieces, nephews and cousins as well as dear friends both near and far.

Per Leola's wishes, there will be no funeral services.  She will be laid to rest next to Axel in Indianola, Iowa. Memorials can be sent to Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home in Grand Island, Nebraska and will be forwarded to the University of Nebraska Foundation to fund scholarships for nursing students.