Howard Lee Thomsen, 82, of Kerrick passed away Thursday, April 17, 2014 in Mercy Hospital, Moose Lake. He was born to Albert and Minnie (Sperry) Thomsen on January 24, 1932 in Askov. Howard graduated from Askov High School in 1951. He was an Army Veteran (CPL Howard Thomsen), serving from September 1952 until September 1954. Howard was united in marriage to Loretta Neuman on June 9, 1956 in Askov. Howard was employed at the Askov American Newspaper in Askov before starting the Evergreen Shopper in 1981. He became the everyday small business man's friend because of his gift of gab and the ability to build the advertisements that small businesses in the area didn't even know they wanted. Everyone has heard of The Evergreen Shopper, but the man behind the shopper was the reason "The People's Shopping Guide" was so popular. Howard was active in the Askov American Legion Post #243 and served as the Pine County Commissioner. He was active in the Kerrick Community Church and enjoyed taking his grandkids on the 4 wheel-drive Rhino. He loved and protected his family till his death.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert Thomsen, Thomas Thomsen and Darrell Thomsen.

Howard is survived by his loving wife, Loretta Thomsen of Kerrick; 4 sons, Randy Thomsen of Askov, Rich (Jennifer) Thomsen of Askov, Ron (Shanon) Thomsen of Carlton and Ryan (Leah) Thomsen of Mahtomedi; 9 grandchildren, Chelsi Schuler, Katelyn Vavra, Brittany Thomsen, Christian Thomsen, Samantha Thomsen, Raven Thomsen, Josiah Thomsen, Ivan Thomsen and Isaiah Thomsen and 1 great grandchild on the way.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 23, from 6-8 PM in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake and will continue Thursday, April 24, from 10 AM until the 11 AM Service in Kerrick Community Church, Kerrick.  Burial will be in Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Askov.  Military honors provided by Askov American Legion Post #243. To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com . Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.