William T. "Bill" Thorsen

Bill Thorsen passed away in Petaluma on September 13, 2010. Devoted husband of Doris Thorsen of Petaluma. Loving father of Tom (Susan) Thorsen of WA, Marshon Thorsen of Sacramento, and Daniel Thorsen of Oakland. Cherished grandfather of Wayne Thorsen, Tracy (Johan) Wulfers, Holly Thorsen, Lauren Winget, and Collin Winget. Dear brother of Helen Thorsen of Chicago and the late Dorothy Humphreys. Bill came to Petaluma with his family as a member of the Senior High School Faculty in 1958. He taught bookkeeping and typing and later became the High School's Vice-Principal. Bill loved teaching and had kept in touch with students through the 25 years he has been retired, but it is on the Basketball court that many will remember him. In an article by Harlan Osborne, Bill was called "Petaluma High's basketball man" for taking the "1958-59 Trobabes", the term used then for a B Class team comprised of smaller sized players, to league victories. "This was the first B Class title for Petaluma in 20 years" and their record of 20 straight wins was still standing when Mr. Osborne wrote his article 4 years ago. Bill's other love was wood working. His father and his uncle both loved to build and his uncle, who also raced cars at that time, developed and patented a prototype for a snow mobile. Bill spent his retirement years in his shop, making wooden toys and furniture for his children, for his grandchildren and for anyone else who needed something built, re-built or just fixed up a bit. He will be remembered for all time by any who have known him. A Remembrance with family members will be held on Wednesday, September 15, 2010 from 2:00 pm until 5:00 p.m. at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St. Petaluma, 763-4131. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Petaluma, 416 Payran St., Petaluma, CA 94952 in his memory.