Bill Thompson, 89

William "Bill" Boothroyd Thompson, 89, of Red Wing, died Sunday, Nov. 25, of natural causes, at his home.

He was born March 20, 1923, in Red Wing, to Otto and Myrtle (Boothroyd) Thompson. His family moved to Hinckley, where he graduated from high school in 1941. On April 8, 1944, he married Dorothy Larson in Red Wing. They lived in Milaca for a short while before returning to Red Wing. He served in the Merchant Marines during WWII on the USS Daniel Drake. After being honorably discharged, he returned home to Red Wing, where he farmed and then drove truck for various companies. He drove for the SB Foot Tanning Company for over 26 years, retiring in 1986. After retiring, he still continued to drive truck, having gone more than a million miles throughout his life.

Also in retirement, he and Dorothy enjoyed being “snowbirds” and had spent many winters in Texas and Arizona. He was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, where he was a part of the Risers group and a member of the Leo C. Peterson American Legion #54 and the Masonic Lodge. Bill also enjoyed fishing, especially on Lake Mille Lacs, chopping wood, reading, and was an avid spectator fan of all sports. Patient, kind and steadfast are all words that come to mind when thinking of Bill. As his family notes, he charmed this earth for 89 years - he has eternity before him!

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy of Red Wing; five children, Lynn (Don) Henn of Rochester, Kay Thompson of Minneapolis, Laurie (Jeff) Frost of Red Wing, John Thompson of Red Wing, and Julie (Jim) Wright of Red Wing; nine grandchildren, Megan Frank, Nichole Frost, Abby Henn, Amy White, Aaron Frost, Andrew, Tanner, Jenna Wright, and Zachary Thompson; four great-granddaughters; and devoted nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Gene and Lloyd Thompson, and twin sisters, Elinor Johnson and Eloise Thompson.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Reverend Kristen Schlauderaff officiating. Private burial with military honors will be at Burnside Cemetery. Visitation will be for 1 hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials preferred to the church.

Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel. To send online condolences, visit www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.

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