Glen Ordell Thompson

Glen Ordell Thompson, 92, of Crookston, MN passed away on January 29, 2026, at the Benedictine Living Community in Crookston.

Glen was born on June 17, 1933, in Caledonia, North Dakota to Engebret and Alma (Overgsten) Thompson. He attended the Caledonia Consolidated School where he graduated with the class of 1951. After graduating from school, Glen worked with his brother moving buildings. In 1954, he enlisted in the United States Army and served a tour of duty in South Korea. In 1956, after being honorably discharged from the Army, he returned to North Dakota where he would spend the next 15 years operating heavy machinery working road construction. On May 2, 1959, Glen married Lois Helen Opdahl at Trinity Lutheran Church in Crookston, and they lived in Caledonia until 1966. In 1966, they moved to Buxton, North Dakota where Glen spent 3 years driving school bus and doing maintenance for Buxton School. In 1969, Glen and Lois moved to Crookston, and he began a 27-year career at the University of Minnesota Crookston as an auto mechanic. In 1996, Glen retired from the University and enjoy a long retirement.

Glen was a good and kind man. He was a pillar of quiet strength who lived his life with a consistent set of values. He had a strong work ethic, took pride in his work, and enjoyed staying active. Before and after retirement, he enjoyed visiting with Thompson and Opdahl family members, making improvements to his house, meticulously tending to his lawn, flowers, and garden, operating a small garden rototilling business, learning to play the guitar in his 50s and forming a band with four friends from work to play country and polka music at small dances in the area, and helping his neighbors when needed. He was a loving husband of 66 years, giving and supportive father of three, and beloved grandfather/great grandfather to six. His loving legacy will continue to live within the family and friends that were part of his life.

Glen is survived by his wife, Lois; children, Kimberley (Bryan) Seaton, Karen Langer, and Kevin Thompson, all of Crookston; grandchildren, Amy (Chris) Johnston, Ashley (finance Wyatt Remmick) Langer; great-grandchildren, Colten and Cayden Johnston, and Brooklyn and Beau Remmick; brother, Arvid Thompson; brother-in-law, Alan Sandberg; and sisters-in-law, Janis Thompson and Wanda Wilkens.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Engebret and Alma Thompson; brothers, Orville, Duane, Wallace, Edwin, Elmer; sister, Muriel (Baukol); son-in-law Gary Langer; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-laws; and many other beloved family members.

Glen's family will celebrate his life with a funeral service held on Saturday February 7, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Stenshoel-Houske Funeral Home. Visitation will begin 1:00 pm, with family visitation at 12:00pm. A social at Irishman's Shanty (backroom) will be from 3:00-5:00pm and is open to all of Glen's family and friends. 

Graveside service will take place at a later date at the Oakdale Cemetery in Crookston.