"I have known June for approx. 20 years. She called me this a.m. & told me about the loss of her brother, & gave me this site. Beautiful tribute. Wow, what a wonderful life Juel had. Wow, what a family, Wow the accomplishments achieved. This man Juel is now my hero, & I've never met him. This is a man every American young man should strive to be just like. This time comes in everyone's life in one way or the other. Your time is now. I would like you ALL to know that Jesus loves you, and He cares for you, He will be there for you every minute of the day. He loves to chat, just call on Him. Even though we don't feel it, He really won't give you more than you can bear. I pray that God will bless you now, more than ever with the richest blessings ever! I am blessed to have seen Juel's tribute, and I will keep you ALL in my prayers. God bless you all real hard. Lara D."
In loving memory of
Juel C. Thompson
June 18, 1925 - January 4, 2010
St. Charles, MN
Juel Chester Thompson, beloved husband, father and grandfather, died at St. Anne's Extended Care Center in Winona, MN on January 4, 2010 after a long battle with Alzheimer's.
Juel was born June 18, 1925 in Rothsay, MN to Charlie and Tillie (Olson) Thompson. He graduated from Pelican Rapids High School. Immediately following graduation at the age of 17, Juel joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served his country during World War II with one of his assignments being Iwo Jima.
He returned to Minnesota and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Moorhead State College. He married Arline King in 1949 and he began teaching and coaching in Lake Park, MN. He continued his education and received a Master's degree from the University of North Dakota. Juel then became a school administrator in Lake Park, Tintah, Maynard, Waubun, St. Charles and Chatfield, MN. His contributions to education spanned six decades.
His family was his pride and joy. His children and grandchildren will forever recall his enthusiasm for watching them play in their sporting events, fishing trips and family get togethers. He devoted much time to the Lion's Club where he held several offices, including president. He was recognized for having a perfect attendance for over twenty-five years. Juel was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church where he sang in the choir and served as treasurer for several years. He also was a member of the St. Charles American Legion.
Juel is survived by his wife, Arline; two sons, David (Sherry) Thompson of Stewartville, MN; Doug (Kim) Thompson of Katy, TX; daughter, Dawn Johnson of Mantorville, MN; 10 grandchildren, Joshua, Zachary, Anthony and Amanda Thompson; Adrianna and Jonathan Johnson; Darius, Jacobey, Seth and Selah Thompson; three sisters, June McBirnie (his twin) of Santa Ana, CA; Florence Thompson of Underwood; MN and Georgie-Ann (William) Albright of Pelican Rapids, MN; one brother, Charles ( Elaine) Thompson of Danville, CA.
A Funeral Service will be held for Juel on Saturday, January 9 at 2 PM at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Charles with Pastor Steve McGinley officiating. Friends may call from 4PM-7PM Friday at Hoff Funeral And Cremation Services in St. Charles. A prayer service and time of reflection will be held after the visitation.
Leave a memory of Juel, sign his online guestbook, and view his tribute video when it becomes available online at www.hofffuneral.com
Tribute video can be found at: http://videos.lifetributes.com/111134
Tributes
"Be Blessed in your time of mourning. I read Juels tribute and celebrate with you the fruits of his life. Hugs to you and your whole family. I hope to see you this spring. Love Sharon"
"hi I am so sorry to hear about juel. He was a great guy with a big smile. No matter what happened that smile came out. i know this will be though times but tell lots of stories, laugh. and cry. It really does help. take care god bless sandy(king) cremers"
"Juel will aways be in our thoughts as we remmber the many times we went to all the games our grandkids played in. He loved them all and to see how proud he was of all of them.Juel rest in peace. You were a great friend. Arline and Family our prays and thoughts are. with you . Love Ken and Doris"
"To Mr Thompson's family, He was a kind,gentle man & I feel priviledged to have known him for the last months of his life. He would smile & extend his hand to me whenever I approached him. He will always have a place in my heart. Sincerely, Cheryl L Olsen, LPN 5th floor St.Anne of Winona."
"It was great to see Juel at al l of the basketball games to watch his grandchildren playing basketball in Stewartville. It was one of the many joys in his life. He had a great smile."
"It was great to see Juel at al l of the basketball games to watch his grandchildren playing basketball in Stewartville. It was one of the many joys in his life. He had a great smile."
"Dave, Sherry and Family, Our hearts go out to you and your entire family. Can recall when your dad came to Farmington to see Josh play basketball. Your love and concern for him was so evident. You knew he was so proud of his children and grandchildren. May you hold those fond memories in your hearts and may it help you sustain your loss. With our sincerest sympathy, Maree and John"
"Juel was a man of exceptional warmth, wisdom, and his loss will leave a void in all the lives he has touched over his years in education. I knew Juel as an outstanding administrator and a father of one of my lifelong friends and his family. I think he knows that we will carry on in the manner which he taught us throughout his exemplary life."
"I always enjoyed talking to Juel when he was on his many walks (often near the ball field) or Sundays at church. He would stop and chat for a few minutes and usually give me a hard time about something. I have very fond memories of Juel and the Thompson family. My thoughts and prayers are with you."
"We were so sorry to hear of Juel's passing. He was always so fun to listen to when we visited Dawn with our kids. He always had some advice for them!! He will be truely missed. Even though it is a sad time now, when you want to smile think of the great times you had with him and it will make you smile. Love to all of you and take care of yourselves. We're here if you need us."
"Juel was a great guy and we sure had some super times together. It was hard to see him grow old and his degeneration brought great sadness to him and to the family. He was a kind man that I had the utmost admiration for and enjoyed spending time with. I know he will have peace now and my condolences go out to the family and I share your loss. In Loving Memory, Randy"
"We are so saddened to hear of Juel's death. I worked with Juel when I taught in St. Charles. He was very much a gentleman as well as a gentle man. Keep your many memories of him tucked deep within your hearts and he will always be with you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers."
"Arline, Dave, Dawn, Doug and Families: I hope God will keep you and your family close during this time of sadness. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. SCHS Class of '72"
"I knew Juel when I served on the Elgin-Millville School board. He was a great superintendent and it was inspirational to work with him. One of the greatest testimony for Juel and Arlene is the wonderful children they raised and sent out to the world. It was a privilege to know him and his family. Our sympathy to all of you. May you be comforted knowing he is at peace. Katherine and Dale Speer"
"Juel Not only was my Biology teacher at Lake Park high school but he was my favorite teacher. He earned everyones respect and always made the classes interesting. Our class has kept intouch with him and invited him to our class reunions. He always responded but was unable to make it. Life gets busy. My sympathy to your family for his loss. Tonight there is one more star shining in the sky and that is Juel. Gloria (Bengtson) Fornes ( Class of 1956) P.S. My husband is Don Fornes from Amenia and he remembers Arline and her family. Maybe she remembers him..... He graduated in 54."
"Arline, Dave, Doug, Dawn and Families Juel had a contagious smile, I loved calling him Grandpa even though he wasn't my grandpa, he would smile and give me a hug!!! May God be with you all at this sad time, cherish your memories... Juel, " SEMPER FI ". You will be missed by all who knew you and loved you!!! Blessings & Love, David & Anne(Nanny)"
"Sending our love and sympathy to you and your family. Can't help but remember your dad coming to Farmington to see Josh play and the love and concern you all showed to him. May your many cherished memories of the wonderful times you spent together sustain you at this time of loss. Love, Maree and John"
"We will miss seeing Jules smiling face and quick wit. It was a blessing to us to have him in our family. Delbert will always be jealous of Jules hair. Love to you all, wish we could be there. Delbert and Marlene King"
"There are many stories I could tell of my high school years - both good and not so good. But I wouldn't trade any one of them for anything. Thank you, Juel, for helping make those years so memorable for so, so many of us. May God bless you and your grieving family at this tender time."
"I love my Uncle Juel. I will always remember his infectious laugh/giggle, his tender ways and loving kindness. Love you all, your "kissin cuz" Jeri Ann"