Orville Thompson, 80, Luverne, died Friday, Jan. 2, 2004, at his home. Graveside services, with military honors, were Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Blue Mound Cemetery, rural Luverne. Orville Thompson was born to Ole and Ragna (Olson) Thompson on April 2, 1923, in Luverne. He received his elementary education in country school and then attended Luverne High School. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, serving in Germany and Alaska. He married Kathleen French in 1949 in Rock Island, Ill. The couple later moved to Minneapolis where he worked in construction. They moved to Luverne in 1987. Mr. Thompson loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Survivors include his wife, Kathleen Thompson, Luverne; one son, Eric Thompson, Brandon, S.D., one daughter, Patricia (Mike) Arntson, Luverne; one stepson, Robert (Diana) Grinnell, Roseburg, Ore.; one stepdaughter, Judith Gil, San Diego, Calif.; one sister, Mary (John) Swenson, Beaver Creek; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and six sisters. Engebretson Funeral Home, Luverne, was in charge of arrangements.
