Edward Dale Thompson “Big Ed”

Published October 15, 2020 at 3:14 PM

Ed’s life ended on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at Barnes Care in Esko, MN after a battle with Progressive Supra Nuclear Palsy that he never ever complained about even though it made him a prisoner of his body. To further the research of this rare disease, per Eddie’s request, his tissue has been donated to help find a cure for PSP. He was born on April 9, 1948 in Cloquet to Edward and Joyce Thompson. Ed went to Brookston School and then AlBrook High School where he graduated in 1968. After graduation he went to work at Conwed in Cloquet for about two years and then the Bentonite plant in Burnett, MN. In 1970, Ed married Cheryl Anderson in Duluth.

In 1989, Ed joined Local #1091 Laborers Union and worked in many various places as a laborer, retiring in 2009. After retiring he did volunteer driving for several years for Volunteer Services of Carlton County. He was a busy man and a very hard worker. There wasn’t much he couldn’t do and was always eager to help anyone that needed it. He also enjoyed many things like coaching basketball at Alborn Elementary School, racing stock cars, golfing, fishing, deer hunting, bowling and watching the Vikings and Nascar racing.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Marlene Anderson; sister, Sandy King; brothers-in-law, Tom Stoddard and Frank Leimer; and nephews, Timothy Stoddard, Zachary Kubis and Robert Rabbers, Jr.

Ed is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cheri; daughter, Tara Thompson; son, Shawn (April) Thompson; father-in-law, Darrell Anderson; grandchildren, Emilia and Otto Thompson; sisters, Barb Leimer, Debbie MacNair (Dave Demenge), Cheryl Rumpel (Alex Melin) and Lori Rabbers (Don Pedersen); brothers, Bob (Shawna) Thompson and Jerry Thompson (Barb Havens); sister-in-law, Fay (Tim) Haluptzok; brothers-in-law, Craig (Karen) Anderson and Dale (Debbie) Anderson; many nieces, nephews and friends and a very special guy in the family’s life, Jay Grover.

The family would like to thank the staff at Barnes Care and St. Croix Hospice for their care, compassion and kindness.

Due to Covid there will be no service. A card or note of condolence may be sent to the family c/o Atkins-Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet, MN 55720. To leave an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com.