The Lord called Wayne Thomas Isaac Thompson home on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD. VA Pastor Mark was leading a prayer for Wayne, with family at his bedside, when he quietly passed away. Visitation was held at 10am Saturday, December 14th, at Ascension Lutheran Church in Brookings, SD. The funeral service began at 11am, followed by a graveside ceremony at Greenwood Cemetery.
Wayne was born on April 5, 1937, in Brookings, SD, the son of Joseph Arthur and Mae Alvina (Elverud) Thompson. He was given two middle names, honoring his grandfathers: Thomas Elverud and Isaac Thompson. He grew up working alongside his parents and brothers on the Moody County family farm that was homesteaded in 1886 by his grandfather Isaac Thompson. He attended school, just 300 yards from their home, at McCurdy Country School, and graduated from Rutland High School in 1955. He graduated from General Beadle College (now Dakota State) in Madison, SD, and in 1969 achieved a master’s degree in education from SDSU.
While attending General Beadle he met the love of his life, fellow student, Lois Elinore St. John. On June 1, 1958, they were united in marriage at the Methodist Church in Bruce, SD. They had 3 children, Katherine, Brian, and Sheri Beth.
Wayne began his career by teaching 7th and 8th graders in Trent SD. During his time in Trent, he enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard. He completed officer candidate school to achieve his rank of 1st Lieutenant. Wayne and his family are very proud of his military service.
From 1962 to 1970, he was the Elementary School Principal at Sioux Valley Elementary in Volga, SD. In 1970 he moved his family to Vermillion, SD to be the Principal at Jolley Elementary School. Later he became the Principal of Jolley and Austin Elementary simultaneously! In 1983, he accepted the position of Principal at Central Elementary in Brookings. He retired in 1999. In 1974, Wayne earned the prestigious South Dakota Young Educator of the Year Award. He achieved many awards during his outstanding career.
In 1977, through the purchase of 80 acres adjacent to his childhood home, farmer was added to his repertoire of activities, bringing back remembrances of his childhood years. He enjoyed working God's earth, growing soybeans and corn, but his favorite part was sharing this experience with his children. Once again, the teacher in him was shining!
Through the years he served his community by being a member of the Jaycees & Lions, teaching Sunday School & Confirmation, and Cub Scout Leader. Wayne and Lois were extremely active members of the following churches: First Lutheran in Volga, Trinity Lutheran in Vermillion, and Ascension in Brookings. They have always enjoyed serving the Lord.
Wayne is survived by his wife Lois; children, Katherine (David) Tarrell and Sheri Beth (Doug) Scheerhorn; his grandchildren, Alex (Emily) Tarrell, Evan Tarrell, Matthew (Rebecca Thompson) Thompson, Yancy Parrow, and Tori (Paul) Callendar; his great grandchildren, Cora Tarrell, Cassie Tarrell, Corey Parrow, Caidence Ellis, Jaxon Callender, Jayden Perkapile, and Tora Callendar; his sister-in-laws, Barbara Thompson and Audrey Thompson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents J. Arthur and Mae; his son, Brian Wayne Thompson; his brothers, Dale Thompson, Maynard Thompson, and Verle Thompson; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Merwin and Lila (Baker) St. John; his brother-in-law Darwin St. John; and sister-in-law Dorothy Thompson.
Condolences may be sent to the family through www.rudesfuneralhome.com
