Help Joel's Family in Their Time of Need

Joel Thomas Thomsen passed a way on August 4th, 2024.

We are asking for donations to help cover the funeral costs, as well help Joel’s family recover financially from travel and time lost from work.

We are so grateful for all the support our community has given us.

Joel was born on November 10, 1985 in Hayward, CA and passed away in his home on August 4th, 2024. He moved to Vegas in 1997, and was THE Vegas man through and through.

He was a curious and joyful young boy who was the apple of his family's eye. A rebellious, rambunctious, stubborn teenager, he spent many of his youth years getting into fights and trouble down on Fremont Street.

He was “a natural born athlete” who was annoyingly successful at every sport he tried. He loved to dominate at football, softball, pickleball, basketball, pool, and bowling. He was an accomplished gamer who could beat out any one on Madden.

An avid shooter, Joel had a passion for guns and shooting, and had his own YouTube channel, The Desert Gun Rats. He loved adventure of all kinds, including camping on the beaches of California, cliff diving, concerts, and shenanigans and tomfoolery of all kinds.

He was passionate about cars, and spent much of his time working on his Mustangs and playing with his dog, Loki. Joel was a gentle giant who was loved by all. He was a mentor and teacher to every person he encountered, young or old. He was admired by all those around him, especially his cousins.

He was a born leader, and a legendary cook. He graduated from Le Cordon Bleu here in the valley, and he transformed every plate of food, kitchen, and worker he encountered. Joel loved operating his family restaurant, Buon Gusto Ristorante in Henderson for many years. He loved his current job, where he was the Executive Chef at the world renowned Nusret, as well as a respected and hard-working boss whom all his employees looked up to.

Joel is survived by his mother Ruth Vargas, father Thomas Thomsen, stepmother Lei Romero-Thomsen, adopted mother Cheryll Acevado, grandparents Thomas F. Thomsen, Alice Thomsen, Judith Beall and Stephen Beall, brothers James Thomsen and Clayton Titus, brothers-in-law Maxime Daniel, sisters Juliana Thomsen and Cheyenne Titus, Sil Gina Thomsen, his only nephew Scout Say, and many uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends.

He is remembered by the women he loved, including by Kait, Anissa, Sam, Sabrina, Morgan, and Olga.