- 1927-2007
Jess Thompson was born August 16, 1927, in Hunter, North Dakota, to Jesse Thomas Thompson and Hazel Birch Thompson. He was the sixth of seven children.
He died May 19, 2007 at the Elders' Home in New York Mills, Minnesota.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Darlene Gingrey Thompson in March 1999.
He is survived by three sons, Jesse L. Thompson, Jerry G. Thompson, Donald R. Thompson, one daughter, Cindy L. (Kinne) Moe. He has left here on earth, fifteen grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren.
His sisters, Florence Porter, Wisconsin and Lorraine Peterson, Michigan, and brother Cecil Thompson of Fargo, North Dakota, survive him.
Jess was in the Army Air Corp United States Service during WWII. He served as a mechanic, from 1943-47. He was married, and lived in Moorhead, Minnesota. for several years, worked as a laborer and salesman. He then moved his young family to Scappoose, OR, in 1961, where he owned the Texaco gas station for 3 years. In 1964 they moved to Vancouver, WA. Jess helped his children start a business and had a share in The America the Beautiful Dreamer stores. The stores still remain in business today. In 1977 he and Darlene returned to Minnesota. They raised Beefalo, grew hay and rented out cabins on their Rush Lake front farm. Jess was also very active in Ottertail politics and was a member of the Ottertail Lions Club, where he also received the Volunteer of the year award and was President of the club for one year. He enjoyed playing bingo and gambling at the casinos in his later years.
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There was a graveside service at Park Hill Cemetery in Vancouver, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to Red River Valley Hospice, 1102 W River Rd, Detroit Lakes, MN 565501-2723, for taking such good care of their father.
Arrangements were provided by the Karvonen & Son Funeral Home of New York Mills, Minnesota.
