Gerald "Jerry" Thompson

Gerald “Jerry” Thompson (74, of Rochester, MN) passed away peacefully and surrounded by family after a dignified, hard fought battle with an aggressive form of Parkinson’s disease with dementia.

Jerry was born in Winona, MN on May 25, 1951 to Ron & Pearl Thompson. He grew up with a foundation rooted in strong christian faith, profound work ethic, and devotion to family. He was the youngest of three brothers (Allan & Doug) with whom he shared a lifelong bond.

Jerry will be remembered as outgoing and energetic. He had an easy smile, a kind heart and a true gift for conversation. He never met a stranger, and made everyone he met feel special because he genuinely cared about people. Jerry was well-liked by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

He excelled athletically both in high school and college - a football quarterback, basketball point guard, and baseball Short Stop. He was Homecoming king at Lewiston-Altura High School. He graduated from Dr. Martin Luther College (New Ulm, MN) where he studied to become a parochial school teacher. He married his high school sweetheart, Charlann (Koetz) at Jehovah Lutheran Church in Altura, MN on June 23, 1973, the first wedding at the newly constructed church. Together they began a life filled with hard work, family, and countless memories.

Jerry started out as a school teacher and principal (Overland Park, KS), but he ultimately returned to SE Minnesota and became a business owner. He started a specialized diesel repair business (Rochester Fuel Injection) which he successfully owned and operated for nearly 30 years before selling the company and retiring at the age of 58. Too young to be retired, he became a realtor. Having also retired, Char became a realtor and they worked together as a team – just as they had done throughout their married life.

Faith and family were his greatest priority. He was always actively engaged in the life of his church (Ascension Lutheran) by teaching Sunday School, serving on church council and the building committee, sang in the choir and was an organist for nearly 40 years - mostly self taught (he was musically gifted).

He coached youth sports and was deeply involved in the lives of his children. He woke up early every morning to prepare made-to-order breakfast for the family (he continued to do this for his grandchildren). He was a skilled cook and grillmaster and was passionate about good food.

Jerry had a love for the outdoors – hunting, fishing and enjoying nature. He especially enjoyed Walleye fishing in Canada (a family tradition that originated with his father), the trips out west with his family, and watching kids' and grandkids' sporting events.

His relationship with his parents (Ron and Pearl) was very important to him and their passing affected him deeply. Shortly after their deaths he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He fought this with grace and dignity and refused to complain or let it define his life, despite its rapid progression. He continued to fish for walleye in Canada, golf, attend grandchildren's sporting events and other activities, graduations, Twins baseball games , and traveling - with the latest trip being a Disney cruise with the entire family (21 strong!). He never lost his passion for human interaction nor his dedication to God and family.

Jerry is survived by his wife Charlann; children Josh (Michele) Thompson of Chatfield, Corey (Elizabeth) Thompson of Raleigh, NC, Erika (Stephen) Meyer of Rochester; 13 grandchildren Braden, Logan, Aviana, Noah, Eliana, Evan, Sedona, Grant, Seth, Joselyn, Ethan, Isaiah and Sophia; brothers Allan (Loni) Thompson of Lewiston and Doug (Kris) Thompson of Rochester; numerous nieces and nephews all of whom had their personal nickname. He was preceded in death by his parents, who have embraced him in his heavenly home.

Jerry will forever be missed by all who had the opportunity to know him.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to all of the care providers at Cottagewood Senior Community for the personal attention and compassion that was provided during the final months of his life.

Funeral Service will be 11 a.m., Friday, October 31, 2025 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Rochester. Visitation will all be at the church, Thursday from 4-7 and one hour prior to the service on Friday. He will be laid to rest at Trinity Evangelical Cemetery - Norton.

Any memorials given will go towards a scholarship that is being established in Jerry’s memory at Martin Luther College in New Ulm.

Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service – St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements. www.hofffuneral.com.