Donald Wayne Thompson

Donald Wayne Thompson, 89, of Willmar, died Tuesday, August 31st at the St. Cloud Veterans Medical Center. His funeral service will be at 11:00 am, Saturday, September 4th at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar. Visitation will be one hour prior to his service. Burial will be in Bethel Lutheran Cemetery in Willmar. Arrangements are with Harvey Anderson Funeral Home in Willmar. www.hafh.org

Donald Wayne Thompson was born January 10, 1932, to Peter and Ragna (Johnson) Thompson in Watkins. He was baptized and later confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church in Belgrade and graduated from Belgrade High School in 1950. Don continued his education at Luther College where he double majored in history and education. When Don was 24 years old, he was drafted in the US Army during the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany and was tasked the duty of security. He enjoyed his time serving, often traveling through Europe on his time off. After his honorable discharge, Don moved to Minneapolis where he worked at Donaldson’s. This is where he grew a love for selling fashion. After receiving a call from his dad regarding a clothing store for sale in Benson, he decided to move to Benson and purchase the store. He would open two other Thompson’s Ladies Fashion stores in Pipestone and also in Willmar. While in Pipestone he caught the eye of Yvonne Friese and on January 6, 1974, they were united in marriage at First Lutheran Church in Pipestone. To this union two sons were born: Peter and Brian. They lived in Pipestone until moving to Willmar in 1988. Don continued to work at Thompson’s Ladies Fashions for 49 years. Don enjoyed traveling, he went to Hawaii many times. He and Yvonne went there for their honeymoon and also back shortly before he went into the nursing home. He also enjoyed theatre, flowers, gardening, golfing and reading.    

Don is survived by his wife, Yvonne, sons: Peter (Karen) Thompson of Coon Rapids and their children: Kayli, Ethan, Stephanie and Inga, and Brian (Carlie) Thompson of Flemington, NJ and their children: Briley and Heidi; he is also survived by his sister, Bonnie Quadrani of Clearwater, FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

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