Paul M. Thompson

Paul M. Thompson, 80, of New London, died Sunday, May 24th at St. Cloud Hospital.  There will be a time of remembrance from 4-6:00 pm, Monday, June 8th at Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home in Willmar with a service at 6:00 pm.  www.hafh.org

Paul Marion Thompson was born December 24, 1945, to Frank and Ruth (Vanstrom) Thompson. He graduated from Maynard High School in 1963, where he was active in basketball, baseball, and football. His love of athletics continued into college as he played basketball while attending St. Cloud State University. In 1968, he graduated with a teaching degree and moved to Willmar, where he began teaching sixth grade at Lafayette Elementary School. Paul dedicated nine years to education and was deeply respected by his students, fellow teachers, and the community. After teaching, Paul started Thompson Roofing, where he worked until retirement. He married Kari Koep on July 15, 1992.

Throughout his life, Paul remained actively involved in sports and community activities. He coached elementary football and American Legion baseball, participated in fast-pitch softball for Town & Country Motors, played slow-pitch softball for Aerie #2334 Eagles Club, and served as a high school basketball official. His enthusiasm for athletics and mentorship touched many lives over the years.

Paul enjoyed the outdoors and treasured time spent with family and friends. Gardening was a lifelong passion that began through his involvement in 4-H as a young man. He was an avid hunter who enjoyed goose hunting at Lac qui Parle, pheasant hunting with Minnesota Vikings players, and duck hunting near Maynard. He also loved fishing, especially on Norway Lake and Maple Lake, and could often be found watching Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Vikings games. In later years, he enjoyed being involved with the Kandi Racing Board alongside his grandson Adam and son, Scott Thompson.

Paul passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at the St. Cloud Hospital.  He is survived by his wife, Kari Thompson of New London; his children, Scott (Sherry and Charli) Thompson of Hancock; Julie Ford (Jay Pottala) of Sioux Falls, SD; and Matt (Angela) Thompson of Cold Spring; grandchildren: Adam Thompson, Allison (Brian) Thompson, Brandon (Britney) Ford, Aubrey Ford, Shannon (Caleb) Venkatrathnam, Ethan Thompson, Carter Thompson, and Dylan Thompson; great-grandchildren Braylon, Arian, and Allayah Burwell; Paulette (Williamson) Jelen; and his beloved pets, Jazzy and Cricket.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Ruth Thompson; his sister, Susan Thompson; his son, Robert Thompson; and his daughter-in-law, Connie Thompson.

Paul will be remembered for his dedication to family, love of sports and the outdoors, commitment to education, and the many friendships he built throughout his life. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

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