Patricia Ida Klabo

Patricia Ida Klabo died Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Avera Mother Joseph Manor in Aberdeen, SD. A private family service and burial will be held.
Patricia Ida Blais Thompson-Klabo was born Patrica Ida Blais in Clark, SD on July 4th, 1932, to Fred P. Blais and Marie Lillian Schaeffer. After her parents' divorce, her early years were spent in Clark and Minneapolis, MN, where her mother, Marie sought employment. "Patsy" and her mother returned to Clark for the occasion of her grandfather's funeral, Theodore Edgar Schaeffer. Edgar's death left Patsy's grandmother, Ida, alone and it was decided that Patsy would remain with Ida in Clark, while her mother Marie returned to Minneapolis. Patsy and her grandmother Ida lived in a small, converted railroad boxcar consisting of two rooms. Once Patsy was established in school, time passed, and she remained with her grandmother throughout her growing years in Clark. As an only child, Pat had a deep longing to be a part of people, and she dreamed of one day having a bustling family.
On July 17, 1948, Pat married Richard G. Thompson in Watertown, SD, where they lived for 21 years. She and Richard were blessed with six children: 5 sons and 1 daughter. Their first child was born with severe retardation. At 5 years old, Richard Jr. was moved to the Redfield State School and Hospital in Redfield, SD, where he resided until his death in 1974. Having her son born with such profound disability instilled in her and her children lifelong awareness, dedication and effort to the betterment of people with disabilities. The family moved to Aberdeen, SD, in 1969, where they raised their family and Pat began a long employment as the manager of the local Hallmark gift shop, Crown Gallery. In 1972, Richard and Pat were divorced. As the kids grew older, it offered Pat the freedom to indulge in her gregarious nature predicated on her foundation of faith. She participated in many civic and spiritual outreach projects that cultivated enduringly treasured friendships with people from all walks of life in Aberdeen.
For over 40 years, Pat was active with the early "Association for Retarded Citizens". In 1970, she and a select team within the organization opened the first group home units in Aberdeen, where those from surrounding areas came to live and obtain education at the Aberdeen Adjustment Training Center. Many local entities aided in this combined effort. Later, at the invitation of Governor Janklow, Pat served for several years on the Governor's Committee for People with Disabilities. She was proud that such efforts continue to provide clients with enrichment, purpose and support to that population still today. Other interests included the Sertoma Club, The United Way, The Boys & Girls Club, Senior Center, and Lutheran Social Services as a few.
In 1975, Patricia married Marlin Klabo. In 1981, Pat's husband Marlin Klabo, died suddenly and she later took on a combined employment as an Aberdeen City Commissioner for 18 years. She thoroughly enjoyed her time on the commission until her retirement in 2005. She volunteered and served in many capacities over the years and loved the Aberdeen community very much.
Grateful for having shared Patricia's life are her sons: Doug Thompson, Steve (Eileen) Thompson, Mark Thompson, and Dave (Kerrie) Thompson; daughter, Kathy Thompson; grandchildren, Mary Thompson-Radcliff, Isaac Thompson, Parker Rauen, and Shane Haliw; great-grandchildren, Eryn Radcliff (Trell Williams), Lauryn Radcliff, Breyn Radcliff, Madelyn Radcliff, Ryker Rauen, Shaeley Haliw, Jaden Haliw, and Brad Haliw; and great great-grandchild, Skye Marey Williams.
Preceding Patricia in death are her parents, Fred and Marie, stepfather William, husbands, Richard Thompson and Marlin Klabo, her son Richard Jr. "Dickey", daughter in-law, Kerry Lee Thompson, and grandson, Shad Haliw.
A big thank you goes out to the amazing staff at Mother Joseph Manor for all the wonderful care that Patricia received. Everyone was so kind and helpful. We cannot express the extent of our gratitude for everyone's kindness and compassion.
To the Hospice care team that assisted with Patricia; thank you so very much! Everyone consistently reached out to us and made us feel so comforted and we wouldn't have been able to do this without you. You mean the world to us all.
Condolences may be sent to Steve and Lee Thompson at 610 Kettering Dr. Aberdeen, SD 57401 or Kathy Thompson at 315 S. 15th St. Aberdeen, SD..