Dale Eulane Thompson, 87, of Brookings died Monday, Feb. 12, 2018, in Sioux Falls.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 5 to  7p.m. at the Rude’s Funeral Home in Brookings. A prayer service will be held at 7p.m. A private funeral ceremony will be held at Midway Lutheran Church in Colman.

Dale Eulane Thompson was born Jan. 31, 1931, in Volga to J. Arthur and Mae Alvina (Elverud) Thompson. He moved to the Colman area when he was 4 years old. He attended McCurdy rural school and graduated from Rutland High School in 1949.

Following graduation, he farmed in the Colman area. He served in the Korean Conflict from 1952-54, stationed in Alabama and Nevada. He remained in the Army Reserves for three years after, and was honorably discharged. 

On Oct. 9, 1960, he married his “soul mate”, Barbara Reitz, at the First Lutheran Church, in Sioux Falls. The couple farmed in the Colman area for 40 years and then moved to Brookings after retirement. 

Dale was an active member of Midway Lutheran Church. 

Dale’s father, J. Arthur Thompson, along with his siblings and cousins helped build the Midway Lutheran Church in 1925, where Dale has been a lifetime member. He held leadership offices and taught Sunday School at Midway Lutheran. He served as a board member of Bethel Lutheran Home in Madison and was on the advisory council at Sioux Valley Electric Cooperative for two years. 

As a responsible caretaker of the land, Dale served on the Moody County Weed Board, Fremont Township Supervisor and board member, and was a fervent steward of the land. 

Dale was mindful of his health, and walked at the HPER Center at SDSU for more than 25 years. Dale enjoyed reading books of many kinds, but especially western novels and farm magazines. 

He was a history buff, and although he was quiet and soft spoken, if asked, he loved sharing stories about his military experiences. His love for family, led him to his children, grandchildren’s and great grandchildren’s activities, which included hockey, soccer, football and basketball. 

In retirement, Dale and Barb enjoyed traveling and going to Arizona for a few years. The couple especially enjoyed “coffee with friends” and the conversation and meeting new people, while treasuring their golden friends too. 

As a most kind, generous and loving man – he was a “gentle giant.” He never said a bad word about anyone, saw the best in others, and truly cared about people. He always was interested in “you” and enjoyed seeing others succeed. 

Next to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and his family … Dale loved farming.  He continued to help out on the farm until he was about 83 years old, helping in the fields in the spring and fall and left a legacy for his children. 

Dale is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara;  his sons, Robert (Melody) Thompson of Brookings and William (Lana) Thompson of Colman; and his daughter, Mary (Perry) Grimme of Aurora; 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; brothers, Maynard (Dorothy), Wayne (Lois) and Verle (Audrey) Thompson, along with nieces and nephews. 

Rude’s Funeral Home is in charge of the services.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at rudesfuneralhome.com.