Robert Allen Thompson, 93, of Lanesboro, Minn., entered God’s Kingdom on January 6, 2025.
He was born to Corday and Betsey Thompson on September 15, 1931.
Robert was a loving, devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, and friend.
He is survived by his daughters Jill (Robert) Peterson, Jody (Joseph) Peterson, sister Phyliss Chiglo, seven grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren.
Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife Marilyn, son Steven, brother Donald, sisters Mavis Johnson, Charlotte Johnson, and Marge Drake, brothers-in-laws Donald Johnson, Gene Johnson, and David Drake, sister-in-laws Beverly Thompson and Elenor Sholberg, and two grandchildren, Lucas Peterson and Blake Peterson.
Robert attended Lanesboro High School, and later enlisted in the air force where he was stationed at Andrews Airforce Base in Maryland. His rank was Airman 1st Class from December 22, 1948, until September 17, 1952.
While stationed there he met the love of his life, Marilyn Sholberg, who was working at the Navy Department in Washington D.C.
They were married on November 24, 1951, in a candlelight service at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Hartford, Conn.
Robert prided himself in choosing farming as his career and being a wonderful steward of the land. His integrity and principles led him into a Fillmore County Commissioner position, which he was elected to and held for seven terms (28 years).
Robert was a very proud lifetime member of Post 40 Lanesboro American Legion, past commander, and recently awarded for his over 70 years of service.
Robert and Marilyn left the family farm for retirement in 2001. They moved to Lanesboro, Minn., and built a home there where they both resided until death.
In his retirement, Robert never slowed down. He enjoyed numerous years of driving the van for the Lanesboro School District, often sharing fun stories about the children he transported. He continued gardening at the family farm growing produce that he enjoyed sharing with friends and neighbors.
He could be seen around town volunteering his time painting fire hydrants, washing windows at the Lanesboro Museum, or painting goal poles at the football field.
He thoroughly enjoyed his card playing, and coffee drinking buddies. They brought him so much enjoyment each and every week. They truly were his second family. Robert was an avid golfer and loved golfing with his grandsons in the Burro Pride Tournament… in his 90’s he was still carrying the team.
Robert was a true conversationalist. He enjoyed people very much and spent many hours traveling to various towns visiting friends and family in the local nursing homes.
Robert was one “tough cookie,” he faced life’s challenges with grace and courage. Even though dad is not here physically any longer, we strive to honor his memory by living a life of integrity, and showing love and kindness to others. His influence will forever help guide us on this journey we call life. We are eternally grateful for the time we all shared with you. So this isn’t goodbye Dad, it’s see you later. We Love You So Much!!
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Union Prairie Lutheran Church, rural Lanesboro. There will be an hour of gathering prior to the funeral on Saturday, also at Union Prairie Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Lanesboro Cemetery with full military honors.
Hoff Funeral Home of Lanesboro is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences can be left for the family at www.hofffuneral.com.
Leave a Reply