Ronald William Thompsen, 86, of Donovan passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee. He was born on August 16, 1938 in Crescent City (Crescent Twp.), a son of Reinhart and Lydia (Lehmann) Thompsen and they preceded him in death in addition to two brothers, Donald and Francis Thompsen; and one sister, Delores Judy.
Ronald married Betty Avery on December 27, 1964 in Baudette, MN and she survives. Also surviving are one son, David (Jennifer) Thompsen of Clifton; one daughter, Cheryl (Tom) Vargo of Homewood; six grandchildren, Hannah (Michael) St. Aubin, Benjamin Thompsen, Katherine Thompsen, Joseph Thompsen, Nora Vargo and Lydia Vargo; one brother, Gordon (Linda) Thompsen of Martinton; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Thompsen served in the U.S. Air Force and was a member of the Cissna Park American Legion and Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka. He was a pilot, owned Thompsen Aviation, flew a jet for Roper’s, and was a repairman for IBM for 30 years. Ronald enjoyed restoring old international tractors and was a member of the Central Green Club.
Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, September 27, 2024 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Watseka and also 1 hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka with Rev. Aaron Uphoff officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery at Schwer with graveside military rites by the Cissna Park American Legion.
Memorials may be made to Calvary Lutheran Church in Watseka or Uplifted Care Hospice.
Please share a memory of Ronald at knappfuneralhomes.com.
