Nels Thompson (1872-1928)

THOMPSON, SEVERTSON, MICHELSON, GAARD

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 10/26/2023 at 22:19:32

From The Slater News November 28, 1928 (page 4)

NELS THOMPSON

The passing of Nels L. Thompson has removed from our community one of its most beloved and respected citizens. It had been the fervent hope of his many friends and of the immediate family and relatives that he would be spared for added years of usefulness and service in the home and to the community, but an overruling providence seemed to decree otherwise.

Mr. Thompson was born on the old Thompson homestead in Polk county about three and one-half miles southeast of Slater, July 17, 1872. His parents were Lars and Julia Thompson, who were early pioneers in this part of the country. Here, in the old farm home, he grew up and received his first lessons in toil and thrift. These traits of character, combined with rugged honesty and unbounded faithfulness, qualified him for the high place which he constantly held in the estimation of those who came in contact with him.

When his father moved to Slater, Nels acquired the old home place, where he built a beautiful home. In 1901 he was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Severtson. Two daughters, Edna and Naomi, and six sons, Leonard, Milford, James, Stanley, Myron and Robert, were added to the family circle. With the exception of Naomi, who died at the age of two, these all survive and with their mother are mourning the departure of a faithful, loving and kind husband and father. Three sisters and one brother are also among the bereaved. These are: Mrs. Halvor Michelson of Huxley, Mrs. Knut Gaard of Parkland, Wash., Miss Sarah Thompson of Nevada and Tom Thompson of Slater.

Deceased always took an active interest in the affairs of the community and was constantly called on to fill positions of public trust. Thus among other positions he served on the local bank board, the Farms Creamery Co. and for many years was a deacon in the Bethlehem church.

Mr. Thompson was a man of strong physical build and until a couple years ago enjoyed good health, but the last two year his health had been failing. Various ailments seemed to develop and it was difficult to diagnose the real trouble. As a last resource and in an effort to save his life he was taken to the Lutheran hospital in Des Moines, where he submitted to an operation for gall stones. The operation was a success, but his low vitality, together with other complications, made it difficult to rally from the shock and on Tuesday morning, the 26th, he quietly passed away. His work was finished.