Gordon "Bud" Thompson

Gordon “Bud” Melvin Thompson of Detroit Lakes, MN passed away November 4, 2022, at Essentia Health St. Mary's Hospital, Detroit Lakes, MN.

Bud was born July 3, 1926, in Ada. MN to Gilford and Alta (Bowyer) Thompson.  

In February 1947 he met the love of his life Beverly Nelson of Perley, MN while attending a dance at the fair ground in Ada.  They were married on October 12, 1947, in Perley, MN.  The happy couple went on to have 4 children.

Bud and Bev farmed together for many years after they were married. Bud then was hired by Clay Equipment which sold automated dairy equipment.  After 17 years he was then employed by D-Rockwell (from Iowa) selling grain distribution system.  He established his own company G&B Marketing to market and sell in the upper Midwest and Canada.  It was during one of these programs in Fargo he was discovered by Bulter Builders who then hired him to travel the United States to put on seminars.  

In 1984, Bud retired, and the couple traveled in their motorhome to Florida, Texas, California and Arizona.  Then in 1985 they decided to become Snowbirds in Mesa, AZ where they spent the next 30 winters.  They sold the homestead and moved to Detroit Lakes, MN. Bud loved to do woodworking.  During the summers in Detroit Lakes you would find Bud in his shop where he would build many cabinets and furniture for family and friends. Bud was an avid fisherman and he continued to be active with the Detroit Lakes Shriners Color Guard.

Bud is survived by his sons; Gary Thompson, Detroit Lakes; Rich Thompson, Mandan; Lowell (Judy) Thompson, Detroit Lakes; and daughter Sondra “Suzie” (Myron “Caesar”) Kaiser, Crookston.  Grandchildren; Stacy (Keith) Heinlein; Matt (Kathryn) Thompson; Andy Thompson; Kelly (Courtney) Schauer; Lance Thompson; Patrick Thompson; Gene Kaiser and Frank Kaiser.  Great Grandchildren; Joseph, Wyatt, Kristina, Mikkel, Thomas, Severin, Madison, Kale, Kash, Brady, Lily, Tony and Indiah.

Bud was preceded in death by his loving wife of 70 years Beverly; his parents; sisters Elaine and Joann; Aunt Marie Malakowsky and Uncle Clem Bowyer.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Shriner Children’s Hospital.

Services for Gordon “Bud” Thompson will be held on Thursday, November 10 beginning at 2:00 pm with a Masonic Service followed by a Memorial Service at David-Donehower Funeral Home.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the services.