Thor L. Baardsen, age 68, of Oshkosh, passed away at Mercy Medical Center on Tuesday, July 10, 2012. He was born in Hadsel, Norway on April 14, 1944 the son of the late Hans and Kirsten (Nikolaisen) Baardsen. On September 18, 1982 he married Susan Smith in Oshkosh. She preceded him in death on November 13, 2011. Thor worked as a sailor for the Merchant Marines and later for Master Mate and Pilot for many years. He met his wife Susan while working for Norwegian Cruise Lines and moved to Oshkosh. While living in Oshkosh he drove semi-truck for many companies. Thor kept busy and was always working whether it be at his career or doing home improvements. In his free time he was very fond of his loyal German Shepherds. He will be remembered for being a loving and supportive father and husband.

Thor is survived by his son, Christopher (Rachael) Baardsen; children in Norway: Roy Baardsen, Mona Tollefsen, and Lill Dalhaug; 7 grandchildren; and siblings: Greta Thorvaldsen, Karin Baardsen, John Baardsen, Tove Baardsen and Anne Baardsen.

The funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 19, 2012 at Seefeld Funeral Home, 1025 Oregon St., Oshkosh, with Rev. David F. Pagel officiating. Friends will be received at the funeral home on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. He will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery, Oshkosh.

The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Mercy Medical Center for their compassionate care.