Gerald Thompson -- 1935-2010

This obituary appeared in the Strib today. Jerry is Becky Lynn Rolfsrud's brother. Becky Lynn is Stan's sister-in-law.

Thompson, Gerald (Jerry, JT) age 75, born May 19, 1935, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. 

Preceded in death by parents, Melba & Reuben Thompson; brother, John (sister-in-law, Mary); brother-in-law, Dennis Trittin and nephew, Dan Snater. 

Survived by loving wife, Ellen of 53 years; daughters, Kris (Dan) Seeler and Kari (Scott) Schuveiller; son, Mark (Holly); beloved grandchildren: Ashley, Kelly and Nick Seeler, Jessica, Katie and Nicole Schuveiller, Andrew, Lucie and Natalie Thompson; seven siblings, Bonnie Snater (Manfred Stoelzle), Carol Trittin, Mary (Terry) Huspeni, Ruth (Ken) French, Tom (Janet Arrell), James (Cindy Mitchell), Becky (Virgil Rolfsrud); brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Norm & Diane Duvick; many nieces, nephews, cousins and many near and dear friends. 

Jerry graduated from Roosevelt HS in 1953 and attended Dunwoody Institute. He served 20 years in the Navy and Air Guard Reserve. His love of airplanes and flying resulted in a commercial pilot's license. Jerry loved to spend time with family and friends at the cabin on Rush Lake that he and Ellen's father, Einar Duvick built in the 1950's. He spent many, many hours working with his hands building toys for his children and grandchildren, working on projects at home and at the lake, and lending a helping hand to family, friends and neighbors. 

You could always count on Jerry. He leaves a legacy of the utmost integrity, respect, patience and trustworthiness. He was a loving spouse, a dear father, a very, very proud grandfather and the oldest of nine who cared deeply about his brothers and sisters. He was a man who put family first every day of his life. He will be missed by many. 

Memorial Service, 11 AM, Monday, July 19th at House of Prayer Lutheran Church, 7625 Chicago Ave. So., Richfield. 

Visitation, Sunday, July 18, 2010 from 4 - 7 PM at the church and one hour prior to service on Mon. Memorials preferred to House of Prayer Lutheran Church or donor's choice. Interment Fort Snelling.
Published in Star Tribune from July 16 to July 18, 2010