Paul Michael Thompson

Paul M. Thompson, 77, passed away September 30, 2024. Paul was born November 16,1946 in Bend, Oregon as the youngest of three children to Rev. Morris and Helen Thompson. They relocated to Portland, OR, Marysville, WA, Concrete, WA, and Berthold, ND. After graduating from Berthold High School, he attended Concordia College, Moorhead, MN and majored in social work/sociology. He was united in marriage to Joan Norgaard on July 20, 1969, the day they landed on the moon. They celebrated 55 years together.

Paul served in the Vietnam War and was a proud Army veteran. Joan and Paul lived in Alexandria where he was employed at Anderson Furniture then owned and operated Lake Country Furniture in Carlos and Osakis. His later career led him to be a sales representative for Spring Air Mattress and Charles Schneider Furniture. Following retirement, he stayed active with Alexandria Lions Club, Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, West Point recruitment, American Legion, and church activities.

Paul loved his family and friends. He enjoyed traveling with Joan to several countries and states. He loved gardening, tending to his koi pond and his many bird feeders. He enjoyed a day on the lake fishing and hunting in Hazel Run, MN with “the boys” and his youngest daughter, Naomi.

Paul is survived by his wife, Joan; son, Mikkel (Melanie) Thompson; daughters Ingrid (Erik) Bentley, and Naomi (Kevin) Casper; 11 grandchildren (Carter, Collin, Keni, Gianna, Emme, Annika, Ian, Karina, Chase, Maryn, and Maddyn); brother-in-law/sister-in-law (Loren and Diane Norgaard); as well his niece (Rachel) and nephews (Erik and David). He is proceeded in death by his parents, Morris and Helen Thompson; his brother, Lyle; sister, Nancy Seitz; brother-in-law, Steve Seitz; nieces, Joy and Tina Seitz; nephew, Erik Seitz; father-in-law/mother-in-law Samuel and Lois Norgaard.

Paul will be remembered for his kindness, faithfulness, his passion for the outdoors, along with his courage, integrity, and his ability to talk with anyone. His faith kept him maintaining hope and knows that God’s plans are bigger than our earthly definitions.

‘Soli Deo Gloria’.

A Celebration of Paul’s life will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 10:30 AM at First Lutheran Church with Pastor PJ Malin officiating. 

The visitation is one hour prior to the service at the church. 

Full Military Honors will be accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard, American Legion Post #87, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #936, Vietnam Veterans of American Chapter #235, and the Marine Corps League Detachment #1409. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be given to First Lutheran Church of Alexandria or Douglas County Salvation Army. 

Interment will be in Hazel Run Cemetery in Hazel Run, MN at a later date.