Norman Thompson

Dates

Obituary

Norman Thompson, 96, of Plankinton, SD, died Wednesday, November 9, 2022, at Aurora-Brule Nursing Home in White Lake. Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, November 12, at Plankinton United Methodist Church with a visitation one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will be at Mizpah Cemetery in Plankinton. Arrangements by Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Norman Thompson was born May 28, 1926, to Peter 0. and Darleen V. Thompson. Norman was baptized August 29, 1926, by Pastor A. Molberg. Norman was confirmed November 5, 1939, at the Storla Lutheran Church by Rev E. T. Lundy where there were thirteen in the class. He also served in later years on the Church Council. Transferring his membership to St Paul's Lutheran Church upon moving to Plankinton, he served on their Church Council there as well. Later, he became a member of the Plankinton United Methodist Church.

Norman attended grade school at the Thompson School located two miles from their home, walking many times. He started high school in Letcher in 1940 and drove the school bus for those four years. He was an active member of the FFA, Glee Club, Band, Basketball, Football, and Track teams. He graduated on May 12, 1944.

Following high school, Norman farmed with his dad. He was then drafted into the United States Army and served honorably from January 3, 1951 until his honorable discharge September 4, 1952. He received his basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas. He then served in North Korea during the Korean War for 10 1/2 months until he earned his 36 points to return home. He was awarded the Combat Medical Badge, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Two Battle Stars, and the Ambassador for Peace Medal. Norman was a life member of the American Legion Post 93 having joined in 1952 and served as Commander and Adjutant. He also served as the Sanborn County Commander of the American Legion. He was also a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6554 where he served as the Post Commander and was the Honor Guard Commander for 24 years. In addition, he served as District 7, Veterans of Foreign Wars Commander.

Norman returned to the farm following his military duties, where he continued farming for the rest of his life. He served on the Tri-County Electric Board for 27 years and held the positions of Secretary and Treasurer.

On October 27, 1981, Norman was united in marriage at the Lutheran Church in Honolulu, Hawaii to Betty Schafer by the Rev. Don Johnson. They spent two weeks honeymooning in Hawaii. A reception was held on November 15, 1981 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

He is survived by his sister-in-law, Margene Thompson, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Norman was preceded in death by his wife, Betty; parents, Peter and Darleen; brothers, Denton and Alvin; sister, Eileen Tobin; brothers-in-law, Darwin Tobin and Bobby Schaefer; sisters-in-law, Katherine Thompson and Janet Thompson; nephew, Marlon Thompson, great-nephew, Jeremy Thompson; great-niece Lacey Hattervig; and great-great-niece, Shandra Tobin.

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