Willard Thompson Obituary Thompson, Willard H. (Will) Age 91.5 of Deephaven, MN passed away June 3, 2025. Preceded in death by his wife of 52 years DeVona Thompson (ne Krupke), parents Gladys & Albin Thompson, and siblings Morgan (& Marilyn) Thompson, Lorraine (& Wallace) Wubbels, Gwen (& Frank) Majerus, Ardith (& Dave) Solmonson, Darlene (& Paul) Engwall, brother in law Robert Olson. Survived by his sister Berdelle Olson, children Michael (& Shari) Thompson, and Amy (& Dallas) Johnson, grandchildren Austin and Avalon. Willard was born in Spicer, MN, the middle child of seven kids born to Gladys & Albin Thompson. At the young age of 13 years old Willard had his first job working as a summer helper at Spicer Hardware store. Willard graduated from Willmar High School, lettering in Track and Football. Willard was dedicated to his country, his community, and to his family. Willard served in the US Navy as a submariner; 1951-1953, attending sub electric school in Groton,CT. Willard attended night school at Dunwoody and then went on to electrical school in Chicago, to become a Master Electrician. He passed his license test November 27, 1957. In 1961 he met DeVona Krupke who had been working at his brother Morgans grocery store in Paynesville. They met when Morgan would take his employees water skiing with Willards boat on Green Lake. Their first date was water skiing on Green Lake. Willard and DeVona married in 1962, just a few weeks after DeVona graduated from St Cloud State. Willard traveled to Norway with DeVona in 1963 as part of a MN Teachers Association trip, and also extended their trip to much of central Europe. He talked fondly of this trip for years, often wishing to return. In 1963 he started up his own electrical business; 'Will's Electric Service' which he owned and operated for over 30 years. Willard started his business focused on residential jobs, advancing to wiring Parade of Homes homes in the late 1970s-1980s, and later shifted to commercial electrical work. Willard grew up in the Lutheran church in Spicer, MN, he continued to attend church throughout his life; St Luke Presbyterian, Minnetonka Baptist, and Wooddale Churches. He served as an elder at St Luke Presbyterian Church. In 1997, Willard traveled to Russia for a Wooddale Missionary trip, helping with the building & wiring of a church. Willard was also active throughout his electrical career with the MN Electrical Association, and served as President in 1990-1991. Willard also believed in being an active community member and was a member of the Minnetonka Lions Club, assisting in their many outreach programs, and was President 1977-78. Willard enjoyed being outdoors; from swimming, fishing, sailing and water skiing on Green Lake, to taking his family on fishing trips to Canada, canoeing in the BWCA, as well as camping trips in the Starcraft pop up camper to Northern MN. In later years, Willard enjoyed working outside in his yard and gardens on Berry Lane. He tended to the flowers so DeVona could still enjoy the blooms, even when her mobility was affected. In his early retirement, Willard was actively involved with the restoration of the Steamboat Minnehaha, completing the rewiring of the boat. Willard was proud of his Scandinavian heritage and was a lifetime Sons of Norway member; attending many meetings, dinners and speakers, and still faithfully reading their Viking magazine the last weeks of his life. Willard was a devoted husband, caring and loving his wife DeVona, even through many years of illness and challenges with Lupus. He was a dedicated dad, despite a busy work schedule often of 6 days/ week, he made time for attending track & CC meets, x-c ski races, concerts and other programs that Michael and Amy were involved in. Willard adored his 2 grandkids, Austin and Avalon; he was so proud of all they were accomplishing and his face would light up whenever talking about them. Willard will be dearly missed by family and friends. His dedication and caring, along with his smile & twinkle in his eye, will always be remembered. Memorial Service to be held at David Lee Funeral Home, Wayzata on June 23rd, at 2pm, with visitation at 1:00 pm. Memorials to Sons of Norway Foundation or Sharing & Caring Hands Services Visitation Monday June 23, 2025 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM David Lee Funeral Chapel 1220 East Wayzata Blvd Wayzata, MN 55391 Memorial Service Monday June 23, 2025 2:00 PM David Lee Funeral Chapel 1220 East Wayzata Blvd Wayzata, MN 55391