Robert Thompson

Robert (Bob) Arlie Thompson, age 75, of Winnebago, MN passed away Sunday, January 15, 2023. A celebration of life and interment with military honors will be held at 10AM Saturday May 13 at Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth. Family and friends are invited to attend and share their favorite memories of Bob. Guests are invited back to Patton Funeral Home following the service for lunch and fellowship.

Robert was born October 8, 1947 in Blue Earth, MN to Elroy and Frances (Cook) Thompson. He graduated from Blue Earth High School in 1965 before enlisting in the US Marine Corps in 1967. Bob served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1970. He earned a purple heart for his brave service in the military. Following his service, he completed a technical degree in drafting from Dunwoody Institute in Minneapolis and went on to work for several companies, including Chamberlain, Kato Engineering, and Larson's Sharpening Shop in Mankato.

Bob enjoyed an active life filled with many different hobbies and friendships. He was an enthusiastic outdoorsman with a passion for fishing. He also enjoyed black powder hunting, motorcycling, leatherworking, gardening, and attending local pow wows and rendezvous. He liked to spend time antiquing and finding treasures to add to his collection of Native American and mountain man art as well as his large collection of ceramic chickens. Bob loved spending time with family and his many friends. He was also a member of several clubs throughout the years, including local card, horseshoe, and dart clubs.

Robert A. Thompson is survived by his brother, Rory Thompson and special friend, Bonnie Irons, of Blue Earth; his sister, Kelli Thompson of Mankato; his son, Troy Thompson of Blue Earth; his daughter, Nicole Smith of Mankato; and many more loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.