Orrel “OT” Thompson
Posted By Ballard Sunder Funeral Home On January 2, 2017 @ 2:54 pm In 2017,Obituaries | 12 Comments
With sadness and deep appreciation for a life well lived, we share the passing of Orrel “OT” Thompson, 80, of Prior Lake, Mn. after a brave battle with Parkinsons.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home in Prior Lake. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 11:00 AM with visitation one-hour prior at St. Michael Catholic Church in Prior Lake. Father Tom Walker will preside, and Brent Kirchgasler, Matty Kirchgasler, Dave Kirchgasler, Tom Essen, Roger Ilstrup and Myron Tupa will act as pallbearers. Orrel will be laid to rest at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery in Prior Lake.
He is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Julie Kirchgasler (Dave), Mike Thompson (Connie), Jenny (Tom) Essen and Matt (Maureen) Thompson; grandchildren, Brent, Matty, Anna, Emily, Kylee, Katie, Brekken; sister, Jaci Applegate; sister-in-law, Barb Mathison and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jim Mathison and favorite dog, Skipper.
He was born in Spring Grove and spent his childhood in southern Minnesota.
Orrel earned a bachelor’s degree from Winona State and received his master’s degree in art education from Mankato State. After a career in teaching, he worked as director of the Rochester (Mn) Art Center, the John Michael Kohler Art Center in Sheboygan, Wis., and the Akron Art Institute in Akron, Ohio. He later served as an associate director of the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, arts director for the Dayton Hudson Foundation, and as a guest lecturer at the University of Minnesota.
After his art career, he launched several retail businesses, including Minneapolis-based Toyworks, American Sampler and Classic Toys. He later started Ancient Traditions, a gallery in downtown Mpls. He was also a consultant for the Canadian Arts Council.
After retirement to Lake Minnewaska in Glenwood, he returned to his love of art; working in many mediums. His work was displayed in galleries and shows throughout the country.
Memorials may be directed to Allina Hospice, Minnesota Parkinsons Association or St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Prior Lake.
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I’m sorry to hear about the passing of this gentle man. My prayers are being offered up for the family and friend during this time of sadness. Mr. Thompson’s life will always be held closely to those who loved him and cherished his life’s accomplishments.
Dearest Matt and Family, I’m so saddened to hear of your Fathers passing. I didn’t really know him but I do remember selling him toys for Toyworks, a store every sales rep wanted to sell to as it was definitely a trend setting store in that time period. Of course I know you through my son Graham and if I can say anything about your Father, it would be that he raised a son with so many wonderful traits and talents who obvousley followed in his shoes. I know he will be greatly missed by everyone who’s life he touched. Now I understand why you are such a terrific Dad, you had a fantastic teacher. Lovingly, Mary Jo Sherwood
Sorry to hear that, my condolences. Hope the new year brings more positive results
We have many memories of OT and they all bring a smile to our face Happy Trails to You. Larry n Diane whittier
Joan I am coming out of Arizona tomorrow to be with your family & pay my respects and thank you for taking such Great Care Of “OT”.
“OT” got me started in Art and was an outstanding teacher, friend, advocate & mentor. Without “OT” my career path would have been different. He was excited about Art, Education, Life, family, Joan, Golf, & Sharing! I was a naive farm kid from Sunburg and “OT” got me going to the “Walker Art Center” & the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Thanks to OT I started going to the Guthrie Theater.
“OT” was fun, challenging, supportive, innovative and a great administrator as well. It did not matter if there was a blizzard or cold weather I was not going to miss a Class that I had with “OT”. I helped “OT” set up his Art Gallery that he started in downtown Willmar. “OT” taught me anything that was worth doing / was Worth Doing IT Right! Thank You “OT”. You have touched a lot of people. You certainly made a Big Differnce in my life!! I Love You “OT”!
Joan / Thank You. You were the love of “OT s ” life !! With your kindness, support, dedication, care & Love OT was able to live out his life with dignity, grace and in a loving and nurturing Home!
While you the two of you lived up near Glenwood on the Lake I always looked forward to coming out of Canada in the Spring to play Golf with you. Laugh at your stories and wit! You are a great friend and I will Miss you ! I will continue to hit a golf ball for you and remember you with a smile!
You had a great journey and we are great full to have had you as a friend!
God Bless You! Thank You!!!
Chuck Ringness
Hi Joan. Deepest Sympathy to you.~~~
God bless “OT” ~~~and God be with you and your family at this sad time. Love from Tony and Marge Kloeckl (and all the Bauer Families) (from our Good old Winthrop area.) ** LOVE**
Dear Joan and family . So sorry that OT has left us but grateful that we had the chance to share part of our life . This group of cousins were often together as kids and learned from each other (sometimes not the right lessons) . We revisited some of that “cousin attachment ” when we celebrated OT’s 80th birthday. I’ll miss him.
Cousin Tom Vaaler
Deepest sympathies to all of the family!
His strength, kindess and humor will be missed! Stay strong, peace and love to all!
Dear Joan & family,
Sorry to hear about OT. Remember all the good times we shared in Blue Earth so many years ago. GREAT FRIENDS!
Darrell Weber
Hi Joan,
Gene and I had so much fun with you and OT, laughing till tears rolled down our cheeks.
The great fun that we had on our mini trips around Arizona. The hair-hat party to send
you guys off to Michigan. We will remember the gentle, creative and fun- loving OT, my hot chocolate partner. We shall miss OT.
Hugs to you,
Gene and Dayna XO
Dear Joan,
I am so sorry for your loss of your husband and the father of your children. I will remember O.T. and you and your loved ones in my prayers.
My sympathy,
Maxine Diekmann Schiada
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“OT” was my friend & mentor since we began teaching art together in Fairmont, MN, 54 years ago. “OT” & Joan & later, Julie, Jenny, Mike & Matt became my extended family. We had many adventures together over the years filled with laughter & moments of truth!
“OT” was the most talented person I have ever known. His artistic abilities in multiple media were astounding. His passion for everything he did professionally was full of heart and intellect. I loved that man and, in so many ways, I am a much better person for being a member of the Thompson family.
God bless you “OT”.
Myron