In Memory
Lanny Dean Thomsen
May 22, 1949 - November 1, 2025
Lanny Dean Thomsen, 76, of Grand Island, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, at his home. Jesus was reaching for his hand. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, November 6th, at 2 pm, at All Faiths Funeral Home, with Dan Naranjo officiating. Family will greet friends for one hour prior to the service.
Lanny was born on May 22, 1949, in Red Cloud to Wayne and Adeline (Mennenga) Thomsen. His family moved to McCook where he grew up with his brother and sister. As Lanny puts it, “too many memories, not enough space.” He grew up in a neighborhood with many kids to play with, whom most of which have become life-long friends. Lanny worked many jobs growing up paying his way through college.
He graduated from McCook High School in 1967. He then went on to attend the Junior College for a year before transferring to University of Nebraska, Lincoln. He then continued on, to the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha where he graduated in 1975, earning his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy.
On August 30, 1969, Lanny was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Julie Linnemeyer. They moved to Chicago for a year before moving back to McCook to raise a family. He started working at Farrell’s Pharmacy. In 1982, Lanny became the owner of A&M Drug in McCook. He owned and operated this pharmacy until 2003. In this union of marriage, Lanny and Julie adopted their first daughter, Amanda in 1978. They adopted their second daughter, Alexis in 1981. They spent many summers going to Estes Park and every few years, they took bigger trips traveling through the country.
After Julie’s passing in 1998, Lanny met Susie Andrews at an Alumni Class Reunion in 2000. They were united in marriage on March 16, 2002. In this union, they blended their families. Dawn and Braden, and Amanda and Alexis. After moving to Grand Island, Lanny worked at Ben’s Pharmacy and Midwest Long Term Care until his retirement at age 65.
Lanny was a member of the Masonic Temple, Shriner’s and the NRA. He was president of the McCook Gun Club, and President of the Chamber of Commerce. Lanny loved trap shooting, hunting, fishing, and golfing, and of course video poker. He made so many trips to Las Vegas, Susie was worried he was going to move there. Thank goodness, he didn’t. He loved attending his grandkids activities Husker games. Lanny and Susie would take yearly trips to Disney with families taking turns. Lanny and Susie played games daily, keeping score through the years.
Lanny was a very generous and caring man. He was always asking, “Are you okay?” Lanny loved his family and friends. We are going to miss his humor and amazing welcoming smile when we walk through the door. Lanny is free and rejoicing in the heavens.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Susan; children, Amanda (Justin) White, Alexis Thomsen; step children, Dawn (Brian) Stock, Braden (Trisha) Manolidis; grandchildren, Sydney, Sunney, Riley, Juliann, Willow, Tristan (Jasmine), Maddy (Seneca), Andrew, Cooper, MaKenna; great grandson, Arthur; siblings, Glenna (Jerry) Engdahl, Roger (Darlene) Thomsen; and numerous extended family members.
Lanny was preceded in death by his first wife, Julie; and parents, Wayne and Adeline.
Memorials are suggested to Grand Island Northwest Trap Club, Grand Island Central Catholic Golf Team, or Lincoln Southeast Golf Team.
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