Michael Thompson
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Our beloved son, husband, father,
brother, papa and friend went to be with his Lord and Savior
on Friday, October 8th, 2010. He fought a brave 17 day
battle with cancer. Mike was 61 years young and “the best in
my age group” he would say.
Michael was born in Riverton, WY on August 12, 1949 to James
and Ramona Thompson. He was the oldest of six children. He
went to Trinity Lutheran School and Billings West High
School where he was passionate about wrestling and music. He
joined the Marines at 17 and served in the reserves for six
years. He graduated from Concordia College in Seward,
Nebraska in 1975.
Mike met the love of his live, Mavis at a Mount Olive young
adults group and they were married for 38 years on August
5th. They have three children who have all married, Shawn
and Tessa Thompson, Brock and Rebekah Williams, and Mark and
Rachel Thompson. He has two grandchildren, Alexa and Mathias
Williams, and one on the way. His animal grandchildren are
Meg, Lelu, Danne, Jack and Bella. Above all, Mike loved
spending time with his family. His pride for us all was felt
every day of our lives and will live on in all of us.
As a boy he loved going to his grandpa's sheep ranch in the
mountains of Wyoming, fishing with his dad and brothers, and
helping with the sheep herd in the summers. This is where
his deep love for nature and fishing were born. After
graduating college he joined AAL and sold insurance for
about 15 years. He went to work for Thompson Pools with his
brothers Don and Darrel. Mike always said, “we're the good,
the bad and the ugly. Guess which one I am?”
Mike enjoyed many things: fishing, camping, cooking with
family, singing and playing the guitar. His greatest joy
came from playing with Alexa and Mathias or, “having the
grandkids baby-sit us,” as he would say. He was a MOA umpire
for over 10 years after volunteering while his kids were in
Little League. He always had a smile on his face, a twinkle
in his eye, and a new joke to tell. His laughter was
contagious. His love for everyone was endless.
We are at peace to know that you are rejoicing with the Lord
in Heaven. Your faith in the Lord was the foundation for our
family and gives us strength during this difficult time. We
selfishly wish you were still here with us and we will
always miss you. Thank you for being the man you were and
for always being our number one fan in life. You have made a
lasting imprint on our lives and we will always cherish the
time we were given with you.
Michael was survived by his wife Mavis; his parents Jim and
Mona; mother-in-law Kathleen Brand; three children: Shawn
and Tessa, Rebekah and Brock, and Mark and Rachel; two
adoring grandchildren Alexa and Mathias; five brothers and
sisters: LaRae and Geoff Talafuse, Don and Jan Thompson, Sue
and Ron Going, Cindy Hein, Darrel and Karen Thompson; and
countless extended family and friends. He is preceded in
death by his father-in-law Reuben Brand and brother-in-law
Bruce Hein.
The casket is open at Michelotti-Sawyers on Sunday from 12-8 P.M. for visitation. Funeral Services will be held at 12:30 P.M., Monday, October, 11, at Mount Olive Lutheran Church. Interment with military honors will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Memorials can be made to ZooMontana or one of your personal choice in honor of Mike.
Remembrances
Please leave your name and remembrance in this public guest book. Your comments will be shared on this page and forwarded to the family.
We didn't
have the pleasure of meeting Michael. Mona and Jim and Michael's family
we send our Prayers for strength and healing. We know he is with the
Lord and is happy.
Marlow and Norma Trick
Dear Thompson Family,
I am very sorry to hear of Mike's passing. You are in my thoughts
and prayers. God Bless all of you at this time and always.
Jill Teachout Peterson
We were so sorry when we read the Billings
Gazette online today . Mike was a great person and we have fond
memories of him when we were in the AAL insurance together. I
remember being guests in your home and the good food and fellowship.
Our sympathies to you Mavis and your children and grandchildren. We
lift you up in prayer during this difficult time and may your
memories give you great comfort.
Linda and Ralph Heppner
Plentywood, Montana
We'll always remember all of you. Mike and
Mavis helped make us feel welcome from our first days in Billings
until the day we left. We pray that the Lord comforts the entire
family with the hope of the Resurrection and the assurance of a
reunion with Mike in eternity with the Savior in whom he placed his
trust. God bless and keep all of you.
Walt and Stephanie Snyder
We were so sorry when we read the Billings
Gazette online today . Mike was a great person and we have fond
memories of him when we were in the AAL insurance together. I
remember being guests in your home and the good food and fellowship.
Our sympathies to you Mavis and your children and grandchildren. We
lift you up in prayer during this difficult time and may your
memories give you great comfort.
Linda and Ralph Heppner
Plentywood, Montana
You are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through these next difficult days. We pray that our Lord and Savior gives you strength and peace. Paul and Kathi Unterbrink