Eugene V. Thompson

Eugene V. Thompson passed away on November 16, 2020 at age 89.

He was born in Arlington, South Dakota in July of 1931. He died peacefully at home in Rockford, Illinois with his beloved wife Trudy at his side. Eugene was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Vernon and Mary Amanda; sister, Veryl Jean; brother, Darryl; granddaughter, Emma Grace and step-daughters, Vickie Harshfield and Janette Wilson. Eugene grew up in Brookings and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He and his best friend Roger grew up together and remained friends until the end. Eugene attended South Dakota State University after graduating high school and graduated college a proud Jackrabbit with a bachelor’s degree in Economics. He went on to earn another degree in accounting and had an amazing and unique love of numbers. He eventually moved to Minnesota. In 1960 he married Darlene, and then became the City Treasurer of Bloomington, Minnesota and began raising a family. He spent over 25 years doing a job he loved with many great people that became lifelong friends. He enjoyed many outdoor hobbies. He loved gardening, farming and doing yard work. He loved old tractors, especially John Deer tractors. He raised his two children, son Jon, and daughter Tracy, with as much love and caring as is humanly possible. He made sure his kids could balance a checkbook and that they knew the value of a dollar. He worried about everything, but did it all just right. He was a great dad! He loved his kids, of that there was no doubt. Later in life, Eugene reunited with Trudy who he knew from high school. He moved to Rockford, Illinois to be with her and they became husband and wife in November of 1995. They spent nearly 25 years together. Eugene loved his family and would do anything for them. Eugene is survived by son, Jon Thompson (Jennifer), daughter, Tracy Shaver (Rick); step-daughter, Barbara Herrmann (Mark); step-son, Richard Harshfield (Donna); honorary step-son, Robert Wilson (Catherine); grandchildren, Jesse Nofftz, Morgan Beckendorf (Mitch), Jarett Nofftz, Katherine Shaver, Courtney Thompson, Brayden Thompson, Lindsay Diaz (Jorge), Karen Wilson, Julie Bendix (Sam), Joe Wilson (Carrie), Brandon Grammer (Shelby), Leah Mills (Kenny) and great-grandchildren, Jackson, Theodore, Sonia, Penelope, Oliver, Marshall, Riley and Allison. Eugene has left an impact on every life he touched. He openly shared love, kindness, caring, compassion and respect for those around him. He always tried to help others and never wanted to see anyone in need. He lived a full and wonderful life and left this world knowing he was loved!

Services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com