Rodney Thompson

A Funeral service for Rodney Thompson, 76, of Dunn Center, will be 10:30 a. m., Saturday, August 3, 2013 at Normanna Lutheran Church in Dunn Center with Pastor John Simonson officiating. Burial will follow in Dunn Center Cemetery.


Visitation for Rodney will be 4:00 p. m. – 8:00 p. m. , Friday, August 2nd at Stevenson Funeral Home in Killdeer with a Prayer service being held at 7:00 p. m.


Rodney passed away Monday, July 29, 2013 at Sanford Health in Bismarck, ND.


Rodney was born July 5, 1937, in Dunn Center, the son of Kendahl and Anne (Anderson) Thompson. He grew up and attended school in Dunn Center, graduating in 1955. During school, Rodney worked part time for Gilman Knutson on his farm and for Joe Bosch at Bosch Lumber in Dunn Center. He continued his education at Dickinson State Teachers College for two years in pre-engineering and he took a three month plumbing course at Wahpeton State School of Science. Rodney married Adeline McConnell on July 24, 1958 in Normanna Lutheran Church in Dunn Center. Two children, Keith and Brenda were adopted and brought much joy to this family. On November 8, 1961, Rodney enlisted into the U. S. Army. His basic training was at Fort Carson, CO and advanced infantry training at Fort Ord, CA. Rodney served in Germany with Company A, 1st Battalion, 51st Infantry until his honorable discharge as a Specialist E-4 on November 7, 1963. After graduation, he began working with his father, Kendahl, in the water well drilling and pump repair business. Rodney operated this business his entire life, retiring in 2011 and selling the business in 2012 after three generations of operation. The Hill Top Home of Comfort in Killdeer became home for Rodney in 2013. Rodney had a quiet, soft spoken personality and he always made time to listen and visit with family, friends and customers. He enjoyed dancing, socializing and spending time at church, which was a big part of his life. Rodney spent many hours in his shop repairing, fixing and tinkering. He loved helping others whenever he was needed. Rodney served his community as a member of the Dunn Center Village Board, Dunn Center Fire Department, Normanna Lutheran Church council, ND Water Well Drillers Association president and member. He was also a member of the Eagles Club and St. Anthony Club.


Rodney is survived by his wife, Adeline; daughter, Brenda (Jay) Bertsch of Wilton; brother, Arley (Joann) Thompson of Smithville, MO; five grandchildren, Kimberly and Shawn Thompson, Austin Alford, Devon Greff and Janine (Billy) Berger; five great-grandchildren, Alexander Rapp, Ashton, Ava, Aubrey and Alex Berger; brother-in-law, Ervin (Karen) McConnell of Gladstone; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Thompson of Oklahoma City, OK, Diane McConnell of Dickinson, Leona (Clair) Kittilson of Dunn Center; special friends, Larry (Deanna) Kittilson and family; and special honorary grandchildren, Eric (Brenda) Turner, Shawnee, Haley, Riley Ashley. He was preceded in death by his parents, Kendahl and Anne; son, Keith Thompson; brothers, Derryl and Vance Thompson; father and mother-in-law, Walter and Katherine McConnell; brother-in-law, Dale McConnell.


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: August 3, 2013
Funeral Home Killdeer, ND

Funeral Service: Saturday: Normanna Lutheran Church, Dunn Center, ND