Peter K. Thompson

TROUT CREEK, Mich. - Peter K. Thompson, a lifelong resident of Trout Creek, Michigan, passed away peacefully on the evening of July 28, 2025, at Country Terrace Assisted Living in Tomahawk, Wisconsin, just days after celebrating his 88th birthday surrounded by
family. Born on July 22, 1937, to Elmer and Alice Thompson, Peter's life was one of steadfast devotion to his family, his community, and a work ethic that inspired everyone who knew him. Peter married the love of his life, Maxine Davis, and together they built a beautiful life filled with laughter, resilience, and deep affection. The couple recently celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary in June, a testament to their enduring bond. They were blessed with three children: Carrie, Kenneth, and Bobbie, who inherited their father's integrity, humor, and grit. From a young age, Peter was no stranger to hard work. He delivered The Grit newspaper as a boy and held various jobs throughout school. After graduating from high school, he attended business school in Green Bay, Wisconsin, but soon discovered the confines of an office weren't for him. He returned home to Trout Creek to work alongside his father Elmer and brother Sonny at the family's Thompson Standard Service Station. He would eventually take over the station, continuing the legacy with pride. Peter also spent time as a logger, a role that not only supported his family but became another opportunity to teach his children the value of honest work. Later, he partnered with Donald Olson to operate a transportation company, safely ferrying miners to and from the White Pine Copper Mine for a decade. In time, Peter began what would become a beloved 25-year career with the Ewen-Trout Creek Consolidated School District as head mechanic and lead school bus driver. His commitment to the children of the district was unmatched. Generations of students recall the kindness, humor, and encouragement he offered each day, especially during long rides to school events and sports competitions. Win or lose, his booming "Good job!" was always waiting as they stepped back onto the bus. Peter also gave generously of his time and heart to his community. He served more than 60 years with the Trout Creek Volunteer Fire Department, including time as fire chief. As a devoted member and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church in Trout Creek, his rich baritone voice could often be heard singing hymns during Sunday service. At the request of his father, Peter joined the Lake Superior Lodge #67 in Ewen, Michigan, also known as the Blue Lodge on August 15, 1959, at just 22 years of age. His commitment to the Masonic brotherhood spanned more than six decades. In 1991, he became a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and entered the Shrine the following year, in 1992. Over the years, Peter held the role of Worshipful Master on numerous occasions, guiding his fellow brethren with integrity, humility, and good cheer. On February 1, 2000, he was honored as a lifetime member, an acknowledgment of his deep dedication to the fraternity and its enduring principles Beyond his many roles and responsibilities, Peter cherished life's simplest joys: snowmobiling or dirt biking with his children, father-in-law Bill, brother-in-law Cliff, and son-in-law Gregg; lending a helping hand to his neighbors and community; and, above all, spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His eyes would light up in their presence, and the warmth of his love was unmistakable. Peter also loved to talk - really talk. Whether it was an old friend or a stranger he'd just met, he could strike up a conversation with anyone and turn it into an hour-long chat filled with stories, laughter, and good-natured advice. For many years, he shared coffee each morning at the Trout Creek Fire Hall with his fellow firemen - a treasured daily ritual full of camaraderie, jokes, and local tales. Those mornings were more than routine; they were a gathering of hearts, and Peter was always at the center of it, a mug in hand and a smile on his face. Even after retirement, Peter simply couldn't sit still. Summers found him mowing lawns and looking after camps; winters saw him snowplowing driveways and checking in on neighbors, especially those who had headed south for the season. In fact, Peter had so many house keys entrusted to him that his daughters had to buy him a large key holder just to keep them all straight. It became something of a family joke that Peter probably had a key to every house in Trout Creek. Peter was a pillar of the Trout Creek community; respected, deeply loved, and fondly remembered by all who knew him. He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Alice Thompson; his brother, Elmer "Sonny" Thompson; sister-in-law, Barbara Thompson; nephew, Leslie Nordine; niece, Audrey Nordine; and nephew, Cory Thompson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maxine (Davis) Thompson; a sister, Mary Nordine; children: Carrie (Gregg) Lindner, Kenneth Thompson, and Bobbie (Jason) Richart; grandchildren: Ashton (Matt) Still, Cameron (Ariel) Lindner, Tanner Richart, and Kendall Richart; and great-grandchildren: Nora Still, Jack Still, Clara Still, and Calvin Richart. A graveside memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 3:00 PM EST at the Trout Creek Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Trout Creek American Legion Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Peter's memory by making a donation to one of the following: Trout Creek Fire Department
ATTN: Tim LaBonty
Trout Creek, MI 49967 Lake Superior Masonic Lodge #67
P.O. Box 35
Ewen, MI 49925 American Legion Post #494 – Trout Creek
Trout Creek, MI 49967 Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.