Thompson, Walter Oliver 'Doc' 1895 - 1940

THOMPSON, HONN, HENKES

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/30/2023 at 11:54:44

Clayton County Register, 21 Feb. 1940.

MONONA: Walter Oliver Thompson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Thompson, was born August 19, 1895, and was baptized in the Methodist church. He graduated from the Monona high school class of 1913, and was the first of the nine members of the class to die. He was drafted into service of the World War on April 25, 1918, and was assigned to the 313th Engineering corps, 90th division, U.S. army, served overseas and received an honorable discharge. He served this community as rural mail carrier for 20 consecutive years. He was married to Miss Emma L. Honn, Aug. 19, 1938, and attended the Lutheran church regularly the last year and a half. Last October he entered the hospital in New Hampton for a very serious operation, and was recovering, when complications set in and he again entered the same hospital Wednesday for another operation, but his death was sudden and he never regained consciousness. The sudden shock to his wife, brother, other relatives and friends was very great.

He was a member of the county postal service organization and a charter member of the Leslie H. Smith Post, American Legion. He had served as commander of the local Legion and also as county commander.

He was 44 years of age and is survived by the widow, Mrs. Emma Thompson, and one brother, Victor B. Thompson. His parents and sister, Mrs. Frances Henkes, preceded him in death.

Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the home at 1:45, and at two o'clock at the Lutheran church. The Rev. H. W. Siefkes conducted the service in the church and said the benediction at the grave. Military services were at the grave. Pallbearers were Harold C. Klinkel, Arthur Wilker, Harold T. Orr, John F. Langenbacher, Carleton Voelzke, Raymond M. Downing, Walter J. Garms and Frederick C. Daugs.

'Doc Thompson will be missed on our streets as well as in his home. His jovial disposition won for him friends in great number. He was a good brother and the widow will sadly miss him.

Ninety-two Legionaires attended the funeral in a body and members of the Auxiliary and of the county postal service organization also attended. The large crowd attending the funeral showed the high esteem in which he was held, few funerals have as large an attendance.

The sympathy of the entire community is extended Mrs. Thompson and his brother in their sad bereavement.