Allen Thompson

Allen Thompson, age 77, a beloved member of both the Rosholt, SD and Olympia, WA communities, passed away on May 21, 2024 at St. Peter's Hospital in Olympia, WA, surrounded by family.

Funeral mass will be Saturday, August 3rd, at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in Rosholt, SD with Father Ken Lulf officiating. Music will be provided by organist Lana Sand. Special vocals provided by Ofelia Thompson Gilbert.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, one hour prior to the service at the church, followed by a luncheon at the Community Center after the burial.

Additionally, there will be an informal gathering for family and friends on Friday, August 2nd at the Community Center beginning at 4:00 pm. You are welcome to bring a dish to share between 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm.

Burial will be at the Plains of Memory Cemetery, rural New Effington, SD immediately following the church service. Military honors will be provided by the Leo American Legion Post 48 of Rosholt and the Read Veflin American Legion Post 180 of New Effington.

Honorary pallbearers will be his cherished grandchildren, Calvin Griffiths, Colin Griffiths, Ofelia Thompson Gilbert, Ansel Thompson Gilbert, Esme Thompson Gilbert, Brooke Thompson, Zion Thompson, Xolani Thompson and bonus grandchild, Myles Chacha, who all were the light of his life.

Born in Veblen, SD on July 26, 1946, Allen spent his formative and retired years in Rosholt, SD where he was well-known for his love of gardening, specifically his heirloom tomatoes and other produce, which he generously shared with his community. During his professional and familial life, Allen's work led his family to reside in various places including Wahpeton, ND, Blaine MN and others. He held diverse roles primarily in ironwork, farming, entrepreneurship and also served his country in the National Guard. In 2017, he relocated to Olympia, WA where he courageously battled and beat cancer into remission for six years, determined to spend precious time with his family. Sadly, he passed away after a recurrence this past year.

Allen embodied the spirit of a "country boy will survive." With a deep love for his family, he dedicated himself to teaching his children and grandchildren the art of fishing, hunting and gardening, passing down his skills and knowledge with patience and pride. Driven by his unwavering desire to spend precious moments with his loved ones, he cherished every moment spent living his life to the fullest, fostering deep bonds and creating lasting memories. Allen's generosity extended not only to his grandchildren but also to his children, whom he supported wholeheartedly in every endeavor, always offering encouraging words to never give up. His legacy is one of resilience, generosity, and a profound love for family and the land he nurtured.

Allen is survived by his former wife and dear friend, Charlene Thompson, with whom he cherished a lasting friendship; his children, Stephanie (Leon) Griffiths of Olympia, WA, Colleen Thompson (Tobin Gilbert) of Olympia, WA, Justin Thompson of Coon Rapids, MN, Jared (Lulu) Thompson of Elko New Market, MN; and his beloved grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Alane (Gary) Peterson, Ann (Jerry) Hanratty; brother-in-law Keith Behrends who later married Marlene, brother-in-law Roger Kluck who later married Kathy; and many nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

Allen is preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Nancy Thompson; beloved son, Todd Thompson; sisters, Agnes Behrends, Alice Kluck; and bonus grandchild, Max Chacha.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or your local meals on wheels program.