On February 5, 2024, Frank Thompson peacefully passed away while staying at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg. He was 78 years old.
Frank was the eighth of 10 children born to Jack and Jessica Thompson. He joined the family on June 30, 1945, and the family lived on a farm west of Sutherland. Frank and his siblings grew up with plenty of cousins, friends and neighbors around; he had a good life growing up. His school years were spent at Sutherland Public Schools, where he participated in sports and FFA.
Frank graduated from high school in 1963 then attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. His schooling was slowed by working full time and being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967. He was stationed at Ft. Lewis, WA, and Ft. Polk, LA, then assigned to D-Troop, 1st of the 10th Calvary attached to the 4th Infantry Division in South Vietnam. After serving in Vietnam, Frank was stationed in South Carolina then honorably discharged in 1969.
Following his discharge, Frank returned to Nebraska and his studies at UNL. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1975 then began his employment with NPPD. He worked at the Sheldon Station, south of Lincoln for a few years before being transferred to Gerald Gentleman Station, south of Sutherland, for the startup of the new plant. Frank was promoted to Assistant Station Manager in 1984 then Station Manager in 1990. In 1995 he moved to Columbus where he was Project Manager of renewable energy projects and worked until retiring in 2010.
On January 28, 1984, Frank was united in marriage to Sutherland native, Sherry Kennedy. The couple welcomed Cassidee in 1986 and son Jess came along three years later. The family lived southeast of Hershey for many years until moving to Columbus. Following Frank's retirement, he and Sherry built a home at Lake Ogallala where they could enjoy their retirement with family, friends and neighbors, and of course, fishing. No matter where they were, Frank and Sherry created a home together filled with love and comfort.
It has been said that Frank had no bigger smile than when he was holding a stringer full of big fish. His yearly trips to Kenro Fish Camp in Canada brought him great joy; always fish to be caught, stories to be told, and memories to be made. So great was his love of nature, he could tell you the names of birds and trees without hesitation. He also enjoyed gardening and golfing.
After Frank retired, he and Sherry spent many wonderful times traveling with their fifth wheel throughout the mountains of Montana and Wyoming; they'd always camp near a stream or a lake so Frank could pull out his fly rod and attempt to catch dinner. They also enjoyed camping at Lake McConaughy and at their ranch property north of Sutherland. When he did have to spend time indoors, he spent it making wine, singing in the Federated Church choir, playing bridge, and watching golf on TV (which really meant napping in his recliner). Going on a drive with Frank was never dull thanks to his encyclopedic knowledge of classic cars.
There was no greater joy than gathering around Frank and listening to one of his engaging or uproarious stories - and he had many. But even greater than his love of nature or storytelling was Frank's love of people. He treated his friends like family and his family like friends.
Frank is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sherry, and son, Jess of Lemoyne; daughter, Cassidee Grubaugh (Eric) of Wellington, CO; grandson, Jack; sisters, Carol Budnick of North Platte, Rosalie Thurber of Tigard, OR, Donna Stewart of Lincoln and Madeline Shewmaker (Ron) of Sutherland; brothers, Bob Thompson (Nadine) and Dwight Thompson (Michal) of Sutherland, Jerry Thompson (Cindy) of North Platte and Dennis Thompson (Robin Buttrick) of Lemoyne; mother-in-law, Gerry Kennedy and brothers-in-law, Larry Kennedy (Annette) and Ken Kennedy (Renee) all of Sutherland; plus many nieces, nephews and other family; and his special friends, D-Troop brothers, and fellow fishermen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Jessica Thompson; brother, Bill Thompson; father-in-law, Warren Kennedy; and brother-in-law, Bud Budnick.
In keeping with Frank's wishes, cremation was chosen. Family and friends will honor Frank with a Celebration of Life on Saturday, June 1st at the NPPD cabin at Lake Maloney, south of North Platte (206 District Drive) from 3-5:30 p.m. (CT).
Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are to Hilltop Estates at Gothenburg, Dementia Together, or Federated Church at Columbus. Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte is in charge of arrangements.