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Feb. 28, 1947-Aug. 31, 2026
Minot
Dennis Thompson, 79, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2026, in a Minot hospital.
He was born on February 28, 1947, in Brookings, SD, to Darwin and Joyce (Cardwell) Thompson. He was raised and educated in southern Minnesota and graduated from Alden High School in 1965. On March 1, 1966, Denny enlisted in the United States Air Force to see the world and ended up at Duluth AFB, MN, a mere 150 miles from home. He served in Vietnam and Thailand from 1967-1968.
Denny was united in marriage to Jovita (Jo) Erickson at Estherville Lutheran Church, Estherville, IA, on August 16, 1969. They began their married life at Homestead AFB, FL, and lived there until leaving active duty in December 1969 whereupon they returned to Albert Lea, MN. It took Denny 15 months of civilian life to realize his true calling was being in the Air Force as a jet mechanic. He re-enlisted in March 1971 and was assigned to serve in the 5th Fighter Interceptor squadron at Minot AFB, ND.
In June 1973, he received an assignment to Okinawa, Japan, where Denny and Jo welcomed the birth of their daughter, Terri Jo, in February 1974. His career also included assignments to Minot AFB from January 1976 to July 1982; King Salmon, AK, from July 1982 to July 1983 whereupon he once again was sent back to Minot AFB until his retirement from active duty on July 1, 1987. Denny was a proud Air Force veteran who felt privileged to serve his country.
Denny's next career endeavors took him into the auto parts business, first with Olson Wrecking and Salvage and then Checker Auto Parts, both in Minot. Due to health issues, he fully retired in 2004. In July 2011, Denny and Jo relocated to Spirit Lake, Iowa, but returned to Minot in July 2017 to be closer to Terri and her family.
Denny was a diehard Minnesota fan, whether it be the Vikings, Wild, Timberwolves, Gophers, or Lynx. In 1988, Denny felt the need for speed and joined his brother Doug on the racetrack at Nodak Speedway in Minot. He began in the mini stock class and then transitioned up to the Dakota modified class until the mid-1990s. During his racing years, he also served on the club's board of directors. Over the years, his hobbies also included hunting and fishing. Having been raised in the Lutheran faith, Denny was a member of Bread of Life Lutheran Church, Minot.
Denny is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jo; his daughter Terri (Rick) Huber, Minot; his granddaughters, Jordan (Bobby Sveen) Huber, Minot, and Taylor (Reise Raymo) Huber, Bottineau, ND; great grandson, Ryker James Sveen; sister Jeane (Bruce) Rudy, Fairmont, MN; brother Doug (Tee) Thompson, Minot, his sisters-in-law, Jan (Steve) Lange and Judy (Steve) Good, and brothers-in-law, Jerry (Judy) Erickson and Bob (Sonia) Erickson as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Kelly Haugan, who he considered his brother from another mother.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Darwin and Joyce Thompson, Fairmont, MN, his in-laws, Wally and Mary Erickson, Estherville, IA, and his sister, Linda Andino, also of Fairmont, MN.
Denny had a strong personality but loved with his whole heart. He was generous to a fault and there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his girls. Having faced several health challenges over the last several years, we mourn Denny's passing but take comfort in knowing he is no longer suffering.
A visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, from 5-7 p.m. at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot, and a private family burial will take place on Wednesday, September 9, 2026.
Published by The Minot Daily News, September 4, 2026.