David Lyle Thompson

David Thompson, 82, of Niceville, FL passed away on Friday, August 2, 2024, after a short period of declining health. He was born on July 30, 1942, in Wadena, MN, to John and Irene (Kautz) Thompson. Dave graduated from Wadena High School in 1960 before joining the Navy, serving as an Interior Communications Technician on three ships between 1961 and 1963 in the Bay of Pigs, Cuba, the North Atlantic, and the Middle East.

After his honorable discharge, Dave lived and worked in Minneapolis/St. Paul and married Kathy (Hertling) Thompson in 1967. Their love story would span over 55 years, during which they raised a family and shared many travel and recreational boating adventures – from King’s Cove “C” dock in Minnesota to Bluewater Bay neighborhood socials after moving to Florida in 2000.

Prior to retirement, Dave worked for 28 years at Holaday Industries, designing electrical microwave test equipment, managing the engineering, production, and purchasing departments, and in his last decade holding the dual positions of Plant Manager and Vice President of Manufacturing. He had a degree in electromechanical design, was active in civic and church related activities, and loved camping, fishing, and boating with his family. Dave was a Senior Member, Educational Officer, and Vessel Safety Inspector of the US Power Squadron in Minnetonka, MN and Fort Walton Beach, FL.

In Florida, Dave served on the board of directors at Gleneagles Green HOA for over 20 years, proudly caring for each resident and unit – whether it was as a host, a handyman, or as board President. He also held a 100-ton Master’s Certificate as a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Dave loved to travel and spend time with his family and friends. He was a generous spirit who enjoyed a good day on the water, a good round of golf, a good meal, a good joke, a good repair project, a good college football game (Roll Tide), and a good glass of whiskey. He was an anchor, a compass, and a safe harbor for everyone who loved him.

Dave leaves behind daughter Terrie (Henry) Harris and grandson Ellis; daughter Jodi (Victor) Castillo and grandsons Sam and Bryan; sister Edna Fox; sister-in-law Alice Thompson; sister-in-law Cindy Hertling; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Kathy, his parents John and Irene, stepfather Art Pleidrup, and siblings Dale, Janice, Vernon, and Vera.

His family would like to thank all of the incredibly caring friends and neighbors that supported Dave and Kathy in Minnesota and especially in the Gleneagles community over the years.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Wadena Cemetery, followed by coffee and fellowship to celebrate Dave’s life at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wadena, MN. An afternoon fishing with a friend, helping a neighbor, or serving in the community are beautiful ways to honor his life.

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