Alden Thompson, 83

Alden Lorne "Tom" Thompson, age 83, died on Wednesday, Feb. 29, in Hammond, Wis., at the American Heritage Care Center.

Alden was born Sept. 1, 1928, in Eddy County, N.D., to parents Oscar and Elsie (Soderstrom) Thompson. Alden was a 1946 graduate of New Rockford High School in North Dakota and earned his bachelor's degree from Jamestown College in 1950. At this time, he was united in marriage to Shirley Dickerson. Though the marriage later dissolved, the union was blessed with two children, Terri and Tim.

Alden went on to the Augustana Seminary in Rock Island, Ill., and graduated and was ordained in 1954. Alden also earned his Ph.D. in theology at USC in 1969 while serving as a Lutheran minister at several churches throughout southern California. While serving in Culver City, Calif., Alden decided to leave the ministry to pursue other interests. Soon after, Alden was united in marriage to his second wife, Maureen Callender.

Alden was a Navy chaplain and served with the United States Marine Corps in Okinawa, Japan, and Camp Pendleton, Calif., military base. Alden also served as a reserve chaplain while he served as a full-time minister. Alden truly enjoyed the Navy and sea duty while serving on board ship.

Throughout his life, Alden enjoyed reading and traveling. He also enjoyed riding his bike, especially when he lived in Portland, as it was such a beautiful place to him.

Alden is survived by his children Terri (Ron) Schmid, Joe Thompson, and Amanda (J'me Decker) Thompson; grandchildren, Alexander, Nathaniel, Jesi, J'me, Shaughnessay, Rebecca, Joseph, and Jacob; siblings Orvald (Beverly) Thompson and Marvin Thompson.

Alden was preceded in death by his father, Oscar Thompson; his mother, Elsie Thompson; his sister Ardis Kanis; his son Timothy Thompson; his brother-in-law Kenneth Kanis and sister-in-law Karen Thompson.

A memorial service celebrating Alden's life will take place 11 a.m. Saturday, March 10, at O'Connell Family Funeral Home, 1010 Newton St., Baldwin. Family and friends may gather 1 hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will take place at a later date at the Glenwood City Cemetery.

Services entrusted to O'Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin, 715-684-3434, www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com.

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