Fr. Henry Thorsen, 92, of Pensacola passed away Monday, July 13, 2020.

Father Henry Thorsen, a Pensacola native, was born January 29, 1928 to Rachael Quina and Henry B. Thorsen, and entered priesthood full of assignments and locations in two states and many countries! Having attended St. Michaels's, St. Stephen's and Catholic High School, he took first studies in the priesthood at St. Bernards Minor Seminary (1943-1947) in Cullman, AL, prior to completing his preparation at the Major Seminary at St. Mary's in Baltimore, MD. On May23, 1953 Fr. Thorsen was ordained by then Bishop (Archbishop) Thomas J. Toolen at St. Michaels's Church in Pensacola.

His first appointment was to assist Christ the King in Battles Wharf, AL under Msgr. Dennis Gray. His next post kept him traveling, as he served the North Alabama Missions with headquarters at St. Margaret's Church in Birmingham. After four and one half years, he was assigned to St. Margaret's Church itself. The USAF military chaplaincy became a calling as Father Thorsen entered the Air Force as a Captain in November of 1962, and assigned first to Scott AFB, IL. From there he went to Okinaw, Turkey, Barkdale AFB, LA, Thailand, Keesler AFB, MS and to Berlin, Germany. His last assignment was at Hulburt Field, FL, where he remained for over five years until his retirement from the Service as a Major in November of 1982. Upon leaving the Air Force, the versatile priest returned to the Birmingham Diocese, where he had spent the first decade of his priestly service prior to entering the military. In November, 1984, Fr. Thorsen was assigned as team minister at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Birmingham for nine wonderful years loving and serving the people of our Lady of Lourdes until his retirement in February, 1993.

In the years since retirement, Fr. Thorsen was a vigorous volunteer assisting priests in Alabama, as well as the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. He offered his service to the priests and the people serving at least two yearly in locations including Demopolis, Pell City and in Mobile as well as in Pensacola. Fully retired, he lived full time at the "Haven of Our Lady of Peace" in Pensacola and was a mainstay to his family who knew that he was a great gift, as well as an inspiration to all who stopped by to see him and to the workers who served the priest who served so much!

He is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Rosemary Wilcox; brothers, Gregory Thorsen, Louis Thorsen and John A. Thorsen.

Fr. Henry is survived by his sister, Annie E. Klipp; brother, James A. Thorsen (Mary A.) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation for family and friends will be Friday, July 17, 2020 beginning at 10am until the Mass begins at 11am at St. Paul Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Burse Club, 11 N. B Street Pensacola, FL 32502.

The family would like to give special thanks to Father Tom Koyickal and Father Licari for being such good friends over the years, also to the staff of the Haven of Our Lady of Peace for all they have been and all they have done.