Gerald Kenneth Thorsen, 69, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, January 1, 2026 at his home.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026 at Freedom Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall in Ottawa with Rev. Kyle Smith, officiating. Burial will follow at Freedom Lutheran Cemetery after the services. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the fellowship hall. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
Gerald was born on January 4, 1956 in Ottawa to Kenneth Fremont and Darlene (Spayer) Thorsen. He was a graduate of Serena High School and worked as a farmer and semi-truck driver for 55 years. Gerald married Eva Hatfield on March 19, 1983 at the First Congregational Church in East Peoria. He was a member of Freedom Lutheran Church and Fox River Lutheran Church. Gerald loved farming, mowing, driving, camping, Euchre, bowling, and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his wife, Eva Thorsen of Ottawa; his two children, Lindsey Thorsen, Kelcy Thorsen; a brother, Wayne (Sharon) Thorsen; four sisters, Carol (Dennis) Thorsen Gross, Diane Naughton, Karen (Mark) Thorsen Neurohr, and Marilyn (Brian) Thorsen Helgeson.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Darlene Thorsen.
Pallbearers will be Brian Helgeson, James Snook, Mark Glenn, Jack Spinazola, Ryan Randall, and Brian Woods. Honorary pallbearers will be Pete Snook and Matt Sawin.
Memorials may be directed to the Mayo Clinic for Cancer Research.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433.