Funeral services for Thomas “Richard” R. Thompson of Albert Lea, MN, was held at 2:30 PM Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea. Pastor Kent Otterman officiated. Interment was in Graceland Cemetery. Military honors accorded by the Albert Lea Area Veterans Groups.
Richard died July 1st, 2018 at the Prairie Senior Cottages in Albert Lea. He was 88 years of age.
Richard was born July 22, 1929 in Steele County the son of Thomas and Iris (Shorey) Thompson. He graduated from Ellendale High School in 1947 and following graduation enlisted in the U.S. Army serving during the Korean conflict stationed in Guam. On June 28th, 1953 he was united in marriage to Janice Froelich at the St Paul Lutheran Church in Meriden. He was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.
Richard worked at Wilson’s for 38 ½ years. Afterwards he did various odd jobs, was a hardworking man and took pride in his yardwork. He was proud to take care of Dr. Harry Neal’s yard for many years. Richard was a member of the VFW and American Legion Clubs, enjoyed golfing, bowling and was a master at putting puzzles together. He enjoyed road trips to see family and friends and his favorite TV show was the Price Is Right.
Richard is survived by his two daughters; Debbie Hicks of Buhl, Idaho, Kristi and special friend Steve Waldo and his son Colten Waldo of Albert Lea, MN, grandchildren Josh (Leslie), Nicci (Jesse) and Colten, great grandchildren Manny, Lexi, Cera and Kia. Other survivors include sisters Betty Lageson and Judy Thompson of Faribault, MN, sister-in-law Majie Froelich, nieces, nephews, friends and his special family at Prairie Senior Cottages.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, wife Janice, sister Shirley Thompson, brothers-in-law Gerald Lageson, Melvin (Pete) Froelich and wife Delores, Martin (Tardy) Froelich, John (Wilma) Froelich, son-in-law Jim Hicks.
A special thank you to all the staff at Prairie Senior Cottages for taking wonderful care of our dad. Blessed be his memory.