Bob C. Thompson

**Use this link to view the service: https://youtu.be/D5chqKECmdo

Bob C. Thompson, 63, Ottertail, MN, formerly of Grand Forks, ND, died Friday, October 14, 2022 at home with family.

He was born on August 16, 1959 in Grand Forks, ND.  He was the fourth child of Melvin “John” and Fern (Nerby) Thompson. 

Bob was raised in East Grand Forks, MN, right across the street from the swimming pool, where he basically lived during the summer months.  He started working at a young age with his childhood friend, Roseann, by loading a wagon with his Dad’s western books and selling them to the neighbors.  He delivered papers for the GF Herald and in high school started working at Senger’s Piggly Wiggly.  He loved his job and the Sengers became his second family.  He graduated from East Grand Forks Senior High in 1977 where he participated in football and made many lifelong friends.

He married Debora L. Anderson on September 20, 1980 in East Grand Forks.  Bob dreamed of having a family, especially a son.  He and Debi raised their sons, Bradley and Ryan, in Grand Forks.  He loved attending their sporting events, taking them camping, deer and duck hunting, fishing, and family movie nights. 

Bob started working for the Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Department in November 1980.  He spent his career as a Sergeant and night shift supervisor, protecting and serving others.  Bob’s fellow officers credit his mentoring with helping them be their best at work and home. He was recognized with multiple awards throughout his career. He was proud of the fact that he worked the night shift right up to his retirement in 2017. 

Bob, known as Moose or Bobby T to his friends, was a homebody who loved having friends and family over for game night, shooting pool and darts, pontoon rides, bonfires and solving the world’s problems.  He was a loyal fan of the Minnesota Vikings and a huge fan of UND Fighting Sioux hockey.

Bob and his good friend, John, built a shop with living quarters on his land near Ottertail Lake in 2015.  He spent his time there doing woodworking projects, building barrel tables, old sewing machine stand tables, chests, benches, and beautiful lake plaques.  He and his buddies would gather there for coffee almost daily.

Bob and Debi moved to their dream home on Rush Lake in Ottertail, MN in 2019, where they enjoyed many great times with family and friends. 

Bob’s greatest joy was his four grandchildren, Ava, Samuel, Hattie and Emily.  He loved them so much, spoiling them and always had a fistful of candy for them.  Hattie called him The Candy Cookie Man.

He is survived by his wife, Debora of Ottertail, MN, sons: Bradley (Laura) of Midland, MI, and Ryan (Micaela) of Grand Forks, ND, four grandchildren: Ava and Hattie of Grand Forks, ND, Samuel and Emily of Midland, MI, two sisters: Terry Thompson and Dawn King of East Grand Forks, MN, Father-in-law James Anderson, brother and sister-in-law James (Jacqueline) Anderson of Grand Forks, ND, three nephews: Jason (Chelsea) King, Jeffrey (Noelle) King, and Jeremy (Lindsey) King, all of East Grand Forks, MN, and two nieces: Bailey and Cassidy Anderson of Grand Forks, ND. 

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brother John M. Thompson, mother-in-law Elaine Anderson, and brother-in-law John C. King.

Services: 2:00 pm Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Amundson Funeral Home, Grand Forks, ND.

Visitation:  One hour prior to the service.

Burial:  Nisbet Cemetery, Mallory, MN.

There will also be a celebration of life with the family after the service.  It will be at the American Legion, 1009 Central Ave NW East Grand Forks, MN from 3:30 to 6:00 PM.