Donald A. Thompson

December 15, 1936 – April 20, 2016
 
Donald A. Thompson, 79, of Willmar, died Wednesday, April 20th at his home.  His funeral will be 11:00 am, Monday, April 25th at Vinje Lutheran Church with burial in Fairview Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 4:00 - 6:00 pm at Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar and continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday.  www.hafh.org
 
Donald was born on December 15, 1936, in Benson, Minnesota, the son of Fred and Charlotte (Klyver) Thompson.  He grew up in Benson, where he was baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith.  He graduated from Benson High School.  Following high school, Don worked at Farmer’s Produce in Willmar.
 
On November 16, 1957, he was united in marriage to Edith (Steffenson) at Cyrus Lutheran Church in Cyrus.  For the past 58 years, they have lived in Willmar where he has been a member of Vinje Lutheran Church for the past 57 years.  Don first worked for Rodelius Ford and for 33 years prior to retiring in 1998, he worked as a body man for West Central Wheel and Body.  For over 13 years he delivered parts for NAPA and also did delivery for Diamond Vogel Paints.
 
Don was a volunteer fireman from August ‘66 until ’88, for the Willmar Fire Department.  He had a passion for classic cars and restoring them.  He enjoyed NASCAR, antique tractors, and was a member of Willmar Car Club and West Central Antique Power Club.  For several years, Don was into car racing and served as a pitman, including for his own son’s team.  He was an avid motorcycle rider and while their children were young, he could often be found pulling them on tubes behind a snowmobile on the lake.  Edith remembers the many motorhome trips together, especially to Branson and the winters they were able to spend in Texas.  He was a patient, kind and caring man, who was liked by many and he liked everybody in return.  Above all else, Don was a devoted husband, great father and an especially proud grandpa, who will be missed.
 
Surviving are his wife, Edith; children: Laurie (and Roger) Olson of Spicer; Valerie (and David) Wensauer of Sacred Heart; Mark (and Vickie) Thompson of Willmar; eight grandchildren: Jesse (and Amanda) Olson, Brady (and Hailey) Olson, Tanner Olson, Brandon (and Kari) Wensauer, Shannon (and Kevin) Lindquist, Nathan Wensauer, Samantha and Stephanie Thompson; five great-grandchildren: Tyler and Ella Olson, Kinley, Odin and Cooper Lindquist; and his sister-in-law, Beatrice Thompson of Benson. Also surviving are his beloved pets: Rhea and Tipper.
 
He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter and twin sons in infancy, and brother, Robert Thompson.