Alfred A. ‘Fred’ Thompson
CORNELL — Alfred A. “Fred” Thompson, 85, of Cornell, Mich., spent the final days of his life on his beloved farm and passed away in his home of more than 70 years on Sabbath morning, December 12, 2020.
Born in Cornell on April 24, 1935 in the house built by his grandfather, Fred’s roots were firmly established on the family farm. Growing up with his parents, Art and Lillian (Ring) Thompson, sister Margaret (whom he lovingly called “Sis”), and brother Nels, Fred developed a deep love for family. He grew up when cousins were neighbors and friends were like family.
Fred early learned the satisfaction of a day’s work and took great pride in hitching up the horses to work the fields and in the woods with his father when still a small boy. His whole life, he knew to “Do the job at hand and don’t be picky about your task.”
After marrying Juanita Carlson on October 24, 1954, it was to the Thompson family farm that Fred and Juanita moved in 1958 and where they raised their family.
Fred turned his hand to various jobs to provide for his family. A carpenter, woodsman, and general “do-it-yourselfer,” he shared his work ethic with his children and various other folks in need, whom he pulled in to work alongside him, first in the woods and on the farm and later when he started and ran Thompson Oil Company. He enjoyed being part of his larger community and thought of his customers as friends.
Fred was a longtime member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He died in the sure hope of the resurrection when Jesus returns.
He is survived by his daughter, Sheri (Kelly) DeGrave of Chattanooga, Tenn.; his daughter, Cindy (Larry) Stotz of Frederic, Wis.; his son, Dr. Dennis (Sandra) Thompson of Ooltewah, Tenn.; his son, Daniel (Jamie) Thompson, Sr., of Ooltewah, Tenn.; his daughter, Connie (Rodney) Schwark of Chattanooga, Tenn.; his sister Margaret (Thompson) Knecht; brother Nels (Beth) Thompson; 17 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and extended family of in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten.
Fred was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita (Carlson) Thompson.
Out of respect for the community in this pandemic, the family will be deferring a memorial service until May 28, 2021. There will be a notice placed in the paper in May as a reminder for those who would like to pay respects. The Anderson Funeral Homes are assisting the Thompson family and online remembrances can be shared at www.andersonfuneralhomes.net.