Harold Dean Thompson

Harold Dean Thompson, 91 years of age, of St. Edward passed away on Thursday, September 22, 2022, at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at the St. Edward Catholic Church, St. Edward, NE with Rev. Vern Olson and Rev. Mick Goc officiating. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery, St. Edward, NE. Military rites will be conducted by Crosier American Legion Post #226 of St. Edward, NE and the Air Force Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation will be 5 – 7 p.m. Tuesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: The St. Edward Volunteer Fire Department or the donor's choice.

Miller-Levander Funeral Home of St. Edward, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Harold was born on December 29, 1930, in Boone County, Nebraska, the fourth of eight children born to Ole and Mary (Cruise) Thompson. Harold grew up and attended school in St. Edward at St. Edward Public School, graduating with the Class of 1949.

Following high school, Harold joined the United States Air Force serving in the Korean War as an aircraft mechanic. He was honorably discharged on November 27, 1954. He was a proud veteran and true supporter of all American military services.

On December 27, 1953 Harold was united in marriage to Shirley Anne Weldon at the Presbyterian Church in St. Edward. To this union four children were born: Debra Kaye, Vicki Le, Steven Lynn and Bradley Dean.  In 1962 the couple made their home in town in the prime spot of St. Edward across from the park and the swimming pool. Where many years of family fun were spent in the St. Edward city park riding the slide the proper way greased up with wax paper.

Harold was a devoted worker all of his life. He began his work on the family farm where he milked cows. Following his time on the farm, Harold worked several jobs over the years for Nelson Implement, Farmers Coop and Smith Hardware. Harold was the clerk for the City of Saint Edward for 64 years, where you would find him working in the office every Sunday. Eventually, Harold started his own plumbing and heating business, Thompson service where he worked up until the last week of his life. Harold's work is a true expression of just how wonderful of a man he was, he always took care of his community.

Harold enjoyed fishing and tinkering.  He had a love for music but you would never catch him singing out loud, he was just a hummer. Harold loved to be an active part in his community where he lent a hand in any event he could. He was part of the "chain gang" on the sidelines at the football games for many years. Harold enjoyed going and supporting all of his grandkids and great grandkids sporting events. He found joy and happiness watching the Thompson family Egg Hunt every year at our Easter celebrations.

Harold was a lifelong member of the St. Edward Volunteer Fire Department serving 57 years and counting. He was active in the Crosier American Legion Post #226, where every year he would be out at the cemetery handing flags out for Memorial Day services. Harold was truly humbled to have been selected to be the Grand Marshal of the Beaver Valley Days parade this year and his family was honored to have lined an entire block to cheer him on as he drove by and waved.

Harold was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley in 2005; his parents; sister, Mary Louise Graft; brothers, Les Thompson and Carl Thompson; sisters-in-law, Beth Evans and Janet Thompson ; brothers-in-law, Lyle Porter, Howard Sallach, Don Graft and Dave Stuhmiller; great-grandson, Derek Niewohner; great-granddaughter, Sadie Gragert; and very close friend, Donny Cruise.

Harold was honored to have a large family who will continue to celebrate his life and share his legacy. He leaves behind his four children: Debra Slaymaker and her husband, Dan; Vicki Gragert and her husband, Steve, all of Albion; Steve Thompson and his wife, Terry of St. Edward; and Brad Thompson and his wife, Sandy of Ormond Beach, FL; 12 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley Porter of Casper, WY and Donna Sallach of Albion; brothers, Roger Thompson and wife, Maryann of Clay Center,  and Gary Thompson and his wife, Judy of St. Edward; sisters-in-law, Kathy Stuhmiller of St. Edward and MaryAnn Thompson of  Franklin, TN; brothers-in-law, Jerry Evans of St. Edward and Jim Weldon and his wife, Rose of Columbus; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and countless friends.