Peter J. Thompson, 78, of Virginia, died September 13, 2010 in his home. He was born August 13, 1932, in Zim, the son of Peter and Milka Thompson, was a graduate of Cherry High School, and a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War. Peter married Elizabeth Montbriand on September 29, 1956, in Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Virginia, and they subsequently lived in Iron and Virginia. Pete was raised on a farm. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching stock car races in his earlier years, and later enjoyed watching televised baseball and hockey games. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, the Monday/Wednesday afternoon card players in Gilbert, the Tuesday evening cribbage group at Nichols Town Hall in Parkville, and the United Transportation Union. Pete was employed as a Locomotive Engineer with the Duluth Winnipeg and Pacific Railroad for 48 –1/2 years. In retirement he worked as a courier for American Bank for 12 years.
Pete's family was his life. He was a devoted husband, dad, "papa", and "big papa" whose love for his family was demonstrated through the care he showed for them in so many ways every day of his life. Pete was known to all for his smile, his sense of humor, and his ability to nickname everyone. His family has been blessed not only by his love and presence in their lives, but also by his guidance. His faith was strong and through their tears, his family's comfort is in knowing that he left this world in God's hands and is now with his wife.
Pete is survived by daughters, Jeanne (Frank) Sopp and Kathy (Don Klegstad) Thompson, both of Virginia; son, Dave (Carla) Thompson of Virginia; grandchildren Erin (Billy) Hanson of Bloomington, Minnesota, April and Ashtyn Thompson, Kyle, Ryan and Alex Kangas, all of Virginia; great-grandchildren Carter and Amelia Hanson of Bloomington; brother Steve (Jackie) Thompson of Eveleth; brothers-in-law Leon Liesmaki of Hibbing and James Coyle of St. Paul; numerous nieces and nephews; and many good friends especially including Bobby Novack of Duluth.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 51 years Elizabeth; and four sisters.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 16, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Bauman Cron Funeral Home Chapel in Virginia. Visitation will continue Friday, September 17, from 10:00 a.m. until the 11:00 Mass of Christian Burial in Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Reverend Father John O'Donnell will celebrate the Mass. Interment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery in Virginia. Military Honors accorded by the Virginia Servicemen's Honor Guard.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com .

Visitation

Thursday September 16, 2010 , 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Bauman-Cron Funeral Home Chapel

Visitation

Friday September 17, 2010 , 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Mass of Christian Burial

Friday September 17, 2010 , 11:00 a.m.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church

Interment

Friday September 17, 2010 , 12 Noon

Calvary Cemetery - Virginia