Salā Rudolph 'Rudy' Bernard Thomsen Sr.

Salā Rudolph “Rudy” Bernard Thomsen Sr., 75, of Hillsboro, passed away Sunday, April 7, 2024 at the Ohio’s Hospice of Dayton. 

He was born Sept. 1, 1948 in Alamagoto, Western Samoa, the son of the late Bernard Aloysious Thomsen and Ruta (Savaiinaea) Thomsen. 

Rudy was a graduate of Marist Brothers High School in Samoa. He later worked for the Oahu Transit Services (The Bus) for 38 years as a bus driver when he lived on Oahu, Hawaii.

Salā Rudy enjoyed volunteering his time and being part of elite organizations like The Knights of Columbus. One of his proudest moments as a knight was building the tower at the St. Damien of Molokai Church. When Salā Rudy had any leisurely time, he loved to golf. Salā was also known for his pickled vegetables, and if you had one, you would know how good they were that he would never share or show anyone how he made it.

Rudy is survived by his wife of nearly 59 years, Fiafia Thomsen, whom he married July 4, 1970; three children, John V. (Nohelani) Tufele of Hawaii, Shawn Anthony Thomsen of Hillsboro and Rudolph Thomsen Jr. of Hillsboro; seven grandchildren, Leilani, Lehua, Fiafia, FuaauToa, Troy, Victoria and Faanofo; two great-grandchildren, Haydin and Damien; two brothers, Masina (Athena) Thomsen and Richard (Thelma) Thomsen; four sisters, Judith Thomsen, Victoria Jessop, Tessa Fraser and Agnes Soon and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Josephine M. Barrett, on Oct. 9, 2020; and seven siblings, Frank Thomsen, Hans Thomsen, Edward Thomsen, Cecilia Helg, Ruth Soon, Bernard Thomsen and Peter Thomsen.

Visitation will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 from 10 a.m. until noon at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Hillsboro. Mass of Christian burial will take place following visitation on Saturday, April 13 at noon at the church.

The Turner & Son Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.turnerfuneralhomes.cc.