With hearts full of love and memories, we say goodbye to Russell (Russ) William Thompson–a man who lived for his family, his teams, and a good story. Russ was a devoted husband, proud dad, and the best papa his grandkids could ask for. He was the kind of man who loved big and made sure everyone around him felt it.

Russell William Thompson was born on June 27, 1952, in Fairmont, Minn., the son of Charles and Kathryn (Loop) Thompson. Russ grew up in East Chain, Minn. until moving to a farm outside Swea City, Iowa. He graduated from Swea City High School in 1970.

On Sept. 1, 1972, Russ married the love of his life, Mindy Lou Hazelhoff, in Swea City, Iowa. Russ and Mindy began their journey together in Estherville, Iowa, later moving to East Chain, Minn., and finally settling in Fairmont, Minn., in 1976. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and traditions. They were blessed with three children, Jenny, Jared, and Jacob, whom Russ adored and never missed a chance to brag about.

Russ took pride in his work throughout his life. He farmed for over a decade before transitioning to a career in road construction in 1988, working his way up to foreman of an asphalt crew, a role he held with pride until his retirement in Oct. 2018. From 1996 to 2019, Russ was also part-owner of Thompson Haugen Jewelers. In retirement, he enjoyed his part-time job delivering “product” with one of his favorite trips traveling to and from the University of Minnesota in St. Paul.

A man of deep faith, Russ was a dedicated member of Fairmont United Methodist Church, where he proudly served as an usher. His commitment to his family and faith was evident in everything he did.

Russ cared deeply about his family, never missing a chance to brag about them or show up when it mattered most. Whether it was running “Papa’s Daycare” for his grandkids, baking cookies at Christmas, or teaching his granddaughters how to make his famous rolls, he made sure traditions stayed alive. Papa Russ’ love for his family was truly at another level.

Russ was a true Minnesota sports fan. The Minnesota Vikings, Minnesota Golden Gophers, Fairmont Cardinals, and Maple River Eagles were several of his favorites. He spent years in the stands as a longtime Vikings season ticket holder, cheering (and sometimes yelling) at his teams with the passion only he could bring. His sports commentary was legendary–whether or not you wanted to hear it. His family offered support by suggesting he bring suckers to ball games to help keep his comments in check. He was a proud father and grandfather as he watched his children and grandchildren play and his son coach. It would be impossible to add up the number of events and miles traveled to all these activities, but what we know is he attended everything he possibly could and loved every minute of it.

Russ was truly larger than life. He loved trips to Vegas with Mindy, his sister, and brother-in-law, as well as State Fair adventures with the ‘Super Six,’ where the goal was to try as many food items as possible and share their lists with family. In his later retirement years, he enjoyed spending time on the lake and was the self-appointed Co-Captain of the Pontoon. Russ (aka Clark Griswold) loved Christmas and showed his competitive spirit by creating impressive light displays at his home. He was a proud multi-year winner of Fairmont’s Christmas lights competition. Russ was an avid reader, enjoyed walking at the mall and around the lakes of Fairmont, and he could be found sitting on his front porch with a cup of coffee, his crossword puzzles, and the daily newspaper.

Russ was the strongest man we ever knew in so many ways. As shared on his CaringBridge site, Russ faced many medical challenges throughout his life, beginning in 1982 when he had his first heart surgery to repair one of his heart valves. His toughest battle began in Aug. 2023 when he was treated for septic shock and was hospitalized in Rochester for 88 days. The head doctor in the ICU gave him the nickname “The Beast” because of how hard he fought, against all odds, to return to his family. We are so grateful for the 2.5 bonus years we had after he returned home. While he never gave up, his body could no longer fight as hard as he wanted it to, but we find comfort in knowing he is no longer feeling any pain.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Mindy Thompson of Fairmont, Minn.; their three children, Jenny (Reid) Schwieger of Fairmont, Minn., Jared (Michelle) Thompson of Fairmont, Minn., and Jake (Lynn) Thompson of Mapleton, Minn.; his adored grandchildren, Riley (Taylor) Schwieger, Sam (fiancée, Kendra Connors) Schwieger, Maddy Schwieger, Laura Thompson, Jordan Thompson, Ryan Thompson, and Caleb Thompson; brothers and sister, Scott (Peggy) Thompson, Laurie Forshee, John (Charlene) Thompson, Mike Thompson and Jamie (Marlyce) Thompson; brother-in-law and sisters-in-law, Mary Ann (Leon) Whelchel, Molly (Tom) Elliott, and Mike (Sally) Hazelhoff; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Russ was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Kathryn Thompson, his father-in-law and mother-in-law Vardell and Bernadine Hazelhoff, his grandparents Clara and Cecil Thompson and Eldred and Elizabeth Loop; brother-in-law, Jim Forshee; sister-in-law, Mary Thompson; and nephew, Zach Thompson.

Though he may not be here in person, his spirit lives on in all of us as we continue to cheer on his favorite teams, make his famous homemade rolls, and laugh as we continue to share all the funny and often naughty stories from his life so fully lived. We have a lifetime of memories that will keep us smiling, crying, and filling our hearts with love forever. We love you Papa Russ~always.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net.

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