Funeral services for Ernest F. Thompson, of New Richland, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April 17, at the LeSueur River Lutheran Church. The Rev. Charles Espe will officiate. Visitation will be held today, April 16, from 4-7 p.m. at the Friedrich Funeral Home, New Richland, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be in the LeSueur River Lutheran Cemetery.

Mr. Thompson died Monday morning, April 14. 2003, at his home in New Richland. He was 87 years of age.

Ernest was born April 30, 1915, in Buffalo Center, Iowa, the son of Martin and Carrie (Oftedahl) Thompson. He attended country school in Iowa.

Ernest was united in marriage to Doris Sabin on Dec. 10, 1939, in Rake, Iowa. They made their home in Baudette and Frost, Minn., before settling in New Richland. He was employed early in life working on the farm and later retired as a tool and die maker for the Wenger Company in Owatonna.

Ernest was a member of the LeSueur River Lutheran Church and the Sons of Norway Lodge. He enjoyed square dancing, gardening, wood carving and any type of finish carpentry. He could do most anything when he put his mind to it!

Ernest is survived by his wife, Doris of New Richland; children: Dorene and her husband John Hansen of Blooming Prairie, Sheila Hanson of Albert Lea, and Hope Ann McKenzie of New Richland; daughter-in-law, Judy Thompson of New Richland; and grandchildren: Scott (Jean) Hanson, Kristine (Vince) Wakefield, John R. Hansen, Jim (Trisha) Hansen, Wendy (Cory) Johnson, Stephanie Johnson, Grahm Johnson and Mindy, Stacey (John) Konopa, Rhonda (Dave) Lindquist, and Jill (Chad) Citurs. Also surviving are 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Myron Thompson of Albert Lea; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Ernest was preceded in death by his parents; son, Gary; daughter, Sandra; son-in-law, Roger Hanson; and several brothers and sisters.