Charles Martin "Charlie" Thompson

Charles Martin “Charlie” Thompson, age 83 of Mankato, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at Birchwood Cottages in North Mankato MN. Born to Charlotte (Denn) and Harold Thompson in Mankato MN April 26th1941, Charlie graduated from Rapidan High School in 1959.  Charlie entered the U.S. Navy in the fall of 1959 and after basic training and Quartermaster school, served as a Quartermaster on the USS Fiske until the fall of 1963.  Charlie continued his Military career as a U.S. Navy Reservist for an additional two years.  When Charlie returned home from active duty, he started working at Carlson Craft in North Mankato MN in the spring of 1964.  Charlie enrolled at Mankato State College in the fall of 1964, graduating in the spring of 1969 with a Bachelor of Science degree.  Through a friend at Carlson Craft, Charlie met Barbara Andersen from Chatfield MN, and the two were married on December 18th, 1965.  Charlie and Barb were truly each other’s best friends for their 58 years of marriage.  

Charlie rose the ranks at Carlson Craft and became one of the founders of Taylor Corporation, now one of the largest communication companies in the United States.  Charlie held many positions in his 35-year career with Taylor, but it was his last role that gave him the greatest enjoyment.  As the Research and Development Leader Charlie found his passion, improving the production equipment for the organization.  Charlie retired in July of 1999 after a stellar career at Taylor Corporation.

Charlie was a man of many talents and interests, photography, collecting Dept 56 village pieces, fishing, and flying remote-controlled airplanes were just a few of his passions.  Charlie and his youngest son Jacob spend many hours on various bodies of water, traveling the United States and Canada to search for “the big one.” Following Jacobs's death in the military in 2007, Charlie’s mission became keeping Jacob’s memory alive. He did that by creating and distributing over 15,000 Freedom Pens, to both active military and veterans. Charlie also became an expert wood turner and Quilter! Charlie donated 1000’s of his homemade quilts to area homeless and victims of disasters in both Mankato MN, and Panama City Beach FL. Charlie always had a Quilt waiting for someone in need. 

Charlie and Barb spent their winters in Panama City Beach Florida and summers in North Mankato Minnesota.  They were also passionate about traveling and seeing all 50 states, Europe, and the Caribbean. 

Charlie is survived by his wife Barbara Thompson, son Jon and his wife Robyn of North Mankato, son Jason, and his wife Sande of Spring Valley, siblings Gordon Thompson and his special friend Judy Tinnes of Prior Lake, Marilyn and Bill Habinger of Chaska, Barbara Langworthy of North Mankato, In-laws Rachel Andersen, Sue Andersen, Wanda and Wallace Berry, Bonnie, and Ron Johnson.  Grandchildren Amanda Thompson of North Mankato, Jamie and Jordan Anderson of Madison Lake, Jennifer Thompson  (Jake Utzka) of Mankato, Kait Thompson (Brad Edel) of Mankato, Sydney Thompson of North Mankato, Lukas Thompson of Spring Valley, Carter Thompson of North Mankato, Riley Thompson of North Mankato, Great grandchildren Hudson Thompson, Ridley Johnson, Millie and Walker Anderson,  and many Nieces and Nephews.  Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Charlotte Thompson, Brothers Donald Denn, Gary Thompson, Richard Thompson, son Staff Sargent Jacob Thompson, and great-granddaughter Paisley Thompson, father and mother-in-law Wendell and Virginia Andersen.  Brother-in-laws Wayne Andersen, and Wendell Andersen.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at 11 A.M. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church 632 S Broad St. Mankato, MN 56001 with Fr. John Kunz, Celebrant. Military honors will follow immediately after services at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mankato at a later date.  

Visitation will be on Monday afternoon from 4-7 P.M. at Woodland Hills Funeral Home in Mankato, and will continue on Tuesday morning for one hour prior to services at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred. Arrangements by Woodland Hills Funeral Home of Mankato. www.woodlandhillsfh.com