MARY “DEETS” THOMSEN, 85 of Marinette, formerly of Menominee, passed away on Wednesday December 31, 2025 surrounded by her family. Mary Marlana Wessels was born on May 8, 1940 in Lamont, IA to Edward and Lillian (Helms) Wessels. On May 13, 1962, Deets married Kenneth Thomsen in Chicago, IL. She worked for the Chicago Railroad, Marmen Computing and retired from Emerson Electric where she worked in Human Resources. An avid sports fan, Deets coached Varsity Girls basketball at Marinette Catholic Central and enjoyed watching women’s basketball, the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Green Bay Packers. She further enjoyed trips to the casino, playing cards and cornhole, and her monthly luncheons with the Emerson girls. Most of all, Deets loved spending time with her family. She was a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church.
Survivors include her children: Kim (Robert) Smith, Lynn (Mike) Bayerl, Tim (Lynn) Thomsen and Jim (Tracy) Thomsen; 7 grandchildren: Kari (Jason) Anderson, Sean (Sammie) Smith, Aaron (Heidi) Thomsen, Joey (Ally) Bayerl, Kate (Evan) Andler, Maddie Thomsen and Jenna (Jake) Steppke; 7 great grandchildren: Wyatt, Westyn, Addison, Brynley, Theo, Olivia and Mylo; siblings: Delva (Paul) Wuderman, Ladd (Mary Lee) Wessels, Judy (Chuck) Tudor, Larry (Nina) Wessels and Carmen Wessels; sister-in-law: Carol Thomsen; very special family friend: Faye Nesbitt; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Deets was preceded in death by her parents: Edward & Lillian; husband: Ken; and siblings: Roger (Joann) Wessels, Richard Wessels, Diane (Larry) Harris and Debbie Kremer; in-laws: Axel & Elaine Thomsen; sister-in-law: Mary Ann Thomsen; and brother-in-law: John Thomsen.
Visitation for Deets was held on Monday January 5, 2026 at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Birch Creek from 9:00 am until time of Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with Father Jeffrey Kurtz officiating. A luncheon followed in the church fellowship hall. Burial is in Riverside Cemetery. Cadieu Funeral Home is assisting the Thomsen family with arrangements.
