Alvin R. 'Bud' Thompson

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Thompson, Alvin R. (Bud) Kept beating the odds until his last punch at 91. His mother Clara died when Buddy was nine and his father abandoned him and his little sister, only four, no relatives the hero. He grew up in the huge state orphange in Owatonna, no one to stand up for him. World War II broke out and he went from one institution to another when he enlisted in the Army. Sergeant Thompson fought in the Philippines earning the Bronze Star and Presidential Unit Citation. He graduated from the University of Minnesota majoring in business administration and journalism, Gopher football and basketball lifelong passions. Always creative and filled with ideas, Bud braved advertising until burgeoning health problems forced him to venture elsewhere. As editor of the Ford Motor Twin Cities plan newspaper, Bud poured his blood and soul into every issue. He helped his wife Margaret fight decades of MS until her 2006 death after 58 years of marriage. Bud survived late night gangrene-filled exploratory surgery and battled fifty years of heart trouble. Eager to sing and tease, he was always exceedingly verbal even when dementia advanced. He's preceded in death by sister, Harriette Berry and survived by sister, Lonnie Moe Carlson; four children, Karen, Cheryl, Rick and Gary; beloved granddaughter, Lisa Rahkola and her husband Tim, his Hercules and great-granddaughter Mia. His like will never be seen again. Memorial Mass will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 10:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 9900 Lyndale Ave S., Mpls. Interment immediately following. Washburn-McReavy.com Werness Brothers 952-884-8145

Published on February 14, 2016