Obituaries: Roger F. Thompson

Roger F. Thompson, 85, died May 4, 2019, at his “home on the Rocks” in Apache Junction, Ariz.

He was born Dec. 28, 1933, in Cloquet to Chester and Helen Thompson.

Roger attended school in Floodwood, Mahtowa, Barnum, and for one year in Moose Lake. He worked for a surveying company, the Wood Conversion Company, Solhiem’s Hardware, Barnum AI, then later for Barnum High School as a bus driver and custodian for more than 35 years. Roger also served on the Barnum school board as clerk. He was active in various community activities including the Boy Scouts, and was a Scoutmaster for eight years. He served as a volunteer to the Barnum Fire Department, and secretary to the Barnum Commercial Club.

Roger married his high school sweetheart Joan; they had two children, daughter Pattie Larson and son Bruce Thompson. Roger enjoyed golf, fishing, camping, traveling, snowmobiling, hunting and a love of dogs.

Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Helen Thompson; Joan’s parents, Edward and Helen Simpson; a brother, Charles Thompson; granddaughter Megan Larson; brother-in-law Robert Simpson; daughter-in-law Vickie Thompson; and sister-in-law Terri Thompson.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; their children, Pattie (Bob) Larson, and Bruce Thompson; grandchildren Ryan Larson (AnnaLisa), Elizabeth Larson (Jay), Michelle Nilsson (Eric) and Brian Thompson (Margie); great-grandchildren Annika and Nora Larson, and Brennan and Alaina Nilsson; brothers James (Rosanne) Thompson, Ralph (Genny) Thompson, and Mike (Louise) Thompson; special friends Robin and Lou Paulson; special nieces and nephews; many cousins; and a host of friends.

Visitation: 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. memorial service Saturday, July 20, 2019 at Barnum United Community Church. In accordance with Roger’s wishes, a Celebration of Life at his “home on the lake” will be held following the service. All friends and family invited.

Donations may be made in Roger’s memory to the Barnum United Methodist Church or to Barnum Dollars for Scholars for the Thompson Scholarship Fund.