Vada Della Thomsen was born on September 24, 1928, to Ted and Lynda (Smith) Stuefen, at rural  White, South Dakota.  Vada grew up in the Lake Benton, Minnesota area, attending school through the 8th grade at rural schools in Lincoln County, Minnesota.  She was the oldest child of the family, having two younger brothers, and one younger sister.

On March 25, 1946, Vada was united in marriage to John Thomsen Sr. in Vermillion, South Dakota.  The couple began their married life in Brookings, later moving to the community of White.  To their marriage 4 children were born: Linda, John Jr., Gale, and Lois.

In her younger years, Vada worked alongside her family on the farm, and later became a waitress.  Following their marriage, Vada enjoyed being a homemaker and taking care of her family.  As her family grew older, Vada proudly worked with John Sr. at their shop in White.  Through her years of experience in the shop, Vada became well known for her work on the sickle grinder and Wisconsin Engines.  Her wealth of knowledge was proven by the many trophies that she had won throughout the years.

Vada was very active in her community throughout her lifetime, including time dedicated to the Zion Lutheran Church, Ladies Aide, LWML, White Community Club, Thomsen and Sons Garage, Hobby Club, Antique Auto Club, Blacksmith and Welder's Club, and working with the Boys Scouts, Cub Scouts, and Girl Scouts.

Vada also had many great loves in life, such as crocheting, quilting, needlepoint, sewing, baking, cooking, wordbooks, dancing, Bingo, playing cards, using her Kindle, and especially spending time with her family and friends.

Vada is survived by her children: John (Virginia) Thomsen Jr., of Brookings, SD, Linda Thomsen, of Chaska, MN, Gale (Linda) Thomsen, of White, SD, and Lois Thomsen, of White, SD; grandchildren: Jerad (Devin) Thomsen, of Indianola, IA, Janna Wruck (Joe Weimann), of Harrisburg, SD, Sheila (Ryan) Middagh of Worthington, MN, and Jeff (Katelyn) Thomsen, of White, SD; great-grandchildren: Malachi, Isaiah, and Elliana Thomsen, of Indianola, IA; special grandchild Kylie Syme, of Queensland, Austrailia; siblings: Aledain Mohror, of Muscatine, IA, Eldridge (Joan) Stuefen, of Lake Benton, MN, and Eugene (Sharon) Stuefen of Sioux Falls, SD; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Vada is preceded in death by her loving husband John Thomsen Sr.; parents, Ted and Lynda Stuefen; sister Arlene Stuefen, and her grandparents.

Vada will also be fondly remembered by her roommate, Diane; tablemates Glen, Harriet, and Arlene; and the staff at the Estelline Care Center.  Vada's family would like to extend their sincerest gratitude to the staff of Estelline Care Center for the exceptional care that Vada received while she was a resident.  She truly enjoyed her Care Center family.