William B. Thorsen

1933 - 2025

William B. Thorsen Jr., M.D., age 92 of Hilton Head Island, SC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 13, 2025 surrounded by family. Born in Chicago, IL, on June 21, 1933 to William B. Thorsen Sr and Marie Thorsen. Dr Thorsen graduated from Northwestern University with an undergraduate degree. He graduated from the University of Virginia Medical School in 1960. Subsequently he served his internship at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Chelsea, Massachusetts. After a tour of duty as a Naval flight Surgeon, he completed his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Louisville Hospital in Louisville, KY. Dr Thorsen served a 2 year fellowship in Gastroenterology at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. He was board certified in Internal Medicine in 1968.

Moving to York, PA, Dr. Thorsen entered private practice in January of 1968. He was an active member of many organizations, including the American Gastroenterology Association, American Society of Gastroenterology Endoscopy, Digestive Disease Foundation, PA Society of Gastroenterology, Central PA society of Gastroenterology, as well as many others. As an active staff member of the York Hospital, Dr. Thorsen served for 20 years as Chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and President of the Medical Staff of the hospital from 1989-1990. He brought Fiber-optic Endoscopy to the York Hospital and has pioneered many advances in the field of Gastroenterology to the York area. His dedication to the field has benefited many York County residents.

In retirement Dr. Thorsen and his wife Lori moved to Hilton Head Island, SC, where he enjoyed playing tennis, biking and spending time with his family and grandchildren.

Dr. Thorsen is preceded in death by his loving wife, Lori Thorsen, and sister June O'Flynn. He is survived by his children, Karen Thorsen and Caprice Thorsen. Dr. Thorsen is also survived by his grandchildren, Tyler Althoff, Ashley Althoff, Sage Kopke and Kayli Thorsen and his loving companion Julia Causey.

The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at St James Orthodox Church in Beaufort, SC. Followed by a burial service in Sea Pines, Six Oaks Cemetery in Hilton Head at approximately 12:45 p.m. Please visit Keithfuneral.com for details and to express thoughts and condolences on www.Legacy.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. James Orthodox Church, 9 Tekoa Ln., Beaufort, SC 29902.