In a photo package with the caption entitled, “Gone, But Not Forgotten,” The Valders Journal honored late publisher Brian Thomsen in its Dec. 19, 2024 issue.
The Valders Area School District dedicated a plaque and photo display near the high school gym on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024 to Thomsen, whose photography and school news coverage spanned decades before his death in March 2024.
Thomsen is a distinguished alum of the Valders High School Class of 1977. He was editor, publisher and co-owner of The Valders Journal for 43 years. He was also a member of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association, serving as WNA President in 2016 and more than 10 years as a member of WNA’s board of directors.
Memorial scholarship funds donated by the staff were presented to the Thomsen family and close friends. In the photo were Brian’s brothers, Jon and Bruce Thomsen; Beth Liermann; son, Eric Thomsen; wife, Mary Thomsen; daughter, Katie Thomsen; Zach Snow, and teacher and project coordinator Chloe Cigler and Bryan Denk of the Valders school board.
