Dale Eulane Thompson was born January 31st, 1931 in Volga, SD to J. Arthur and Mae Alvina (Elverud) Thompson. He moved to the Colman area when he was 4 years old. He attended McCurdy rural school and graduated from Rutland High School in 1949. Following graduation, he farmed in the Colman area. He served in the Korean War from 1952-54, stationed in Alabama and Nevada. He remained in the army reserves for three years after, and was honorably discharged.

On October 9th, 1960, he married his “soul mate”, Barbara Reitz, at the First Lutheran Church, in Sioux Falls, SD. The couple farmed in the Colman area for 40 years and then moved to Brookings, SD after retirement.

Dale was an active and lifetime member of Midway Lutheran Church, a church his ancestors helped build. He held leadership offices and taught Sunday School. He served as a board member of Bethel Lutheran Home in Madison, SD, and was on the advisory council at Sioux Valley Electric Cooperative for two years.

As a responsible caretaker of the land, Dale served on the Moody County Weed Board, Fremont Township Supervisor and board member, and was a fervent steward of the land.

Dale was mindful of his health, and walked at the HYPER Center at SDSU for over 25 years. Dale enjoyed reading books of many kinds, but especially western novels, and farm magazines. He was a history buff, and if asked, he shared stories about his military experiences. His love for family, led him to his children, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s activities. In retirement, Dale and Barb enjoyed traveling and going to Arizona for a few years. Dale loved farming. He continued to help out on the farm until he was about 83 years old.

Dale is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara; his sons: Robert (Melody) Thompson, Brookings, SD and William (Lana) Thompson, Colman, SD; his daughter: Mary (Perry) Grimme, Aurora; his grandchildren: Justin (RaeAnn) Thompson, Michael (Presley) Thompson, Faith Thompson, Deidra Thompson, Dax Thompson, Jacob Grimes, Megan (Travis) Hougland Elliott (Mindy) Nelson, Jade (James) Withers, Alex Nelson, Whitney Nelson, Perry (Kim) Grimme Jr, Samantha Grimme; his great grandchildren: Brecken, Adler, Harper, Everett, Lily, Logan, Emmy, Kate, Grace, Trey, Trinity, Phoenix and Piran; three brothers: Maynard (Dorothy), Wayne (Lois) and Verle (Audrey) Thompson, and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by parents.

A private funeral ceremony was held at Midway Lutheran Church, rural Colman, SD.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at

rudesfuneralhome.com