Frederick "Fred" R. Thompson

Fred Thompson was born in Moorhead, MN, to Frank W. and Adeline (Stohle) Thompson on July 25, 1940. He was raised on the family farm near Baker, MN, with his sibings, Tom, Jeanne, Frank, and Janet. He attended the Northwest School of Agriculture in Crookston, MN, where he excelled in football and basketball. Graduating in 1958, he enlisted in the Air National Guard and served from 1958-1964 while continuing to farm. Fred married Joan Dee Thimgan on November 5, 1960, at St. John Lutheran Church in Fargo. Dedicated Red River Valley farmers, they resided on the home place in rural Baker, MN, where they farmed with his brothers and later with his sons. After a stubborn fight with cancer, Fred died at home surrounded by the affection of his family. He showed courage, grace, and a positive attitude throughout this ordeal. The family rejoices that his pain and suffering are finally at an end. He loved his family, farming, dancing, gardening, fishing and carving Country Critter creations with his best friend, twin brother, Frank. Fred was especially proud that his sons carried on the family tradition of farming. He is survived by Joan, his devoted wife of 52 years, sons Perry (Janet) of Park Rapids, MN, and Jeff of Baker, MN; grandchildren Andy (Holly) of Park Rapids, and Nicole (Jason) Thorstad of Fargo, ND. He is survived by siblings Jeanne Walker, of Moorhead , Frank (Judy) of Barnesville, MN, and Janet (James) Noble, of Clintonville, WI and sister-in-law, Margaret Ann Thompson of Barnesville. His family wishes to thank all those special angels at the Roger Maris Cancer Center, the Palliative Care Unit of Sanford of Fargo, Hospice of the Red River Valley in Fargo, and Riveredge Hospice of St. Francis, Breckenridge, MN. A special thanks to niece Tammi Altoff for her very personal and professional care. And, thanks for the phone calls, prayers, and all the ham and cheesy potatoes from friends and family during this difficult time. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Tom, and grandson, Brian. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice of the Red River Valley or Riveredge Hospice of St. Francis. In remembrance of Fred Thompson: A man as proud, straight, and true as a plowed furrow of rich Clay County earth. Please join the family for fellowship and lunch following the service. Visitation: will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at Baker Westminister Presbyterian Church in Baker, Minnesota, with a prayer service at 7:00 pm, and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church on Sunday. Memorial Service: will be at 2:00 pm Sunday, November 18, 2012 at Baker Wesminister Presbyterian Church in Baker, Minnesota