Harlie Thompson, age 89, of Prior Lake, MN, passed peacefully with his beloved wife by his side on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at Norabella Senior Living, in Prior Lake.
A celebration of life will be held honoring Harlie on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 2 pm, with a time of gathering starting at 12 pm, at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, 833 South Marschall Road, Shakopee, MN.
The core of Harlan Lee Thompson’s life was always centered around family. The sixth of eight children to Merris and Opal (Reed) Thompson, he was born on December 7, 1933, in Grandview, Iowa. As a farming family, the Thompson’s rented farms throughout Minnesota, ending in Cyrus. Mischief always followed Harlie and his brothers, whether playing games, messing with the animals or just being boys.
Family took on a new meaning to Harlie as a young adult. While attending high school in Cyrus, a young gal named Ramona Marie Gust caught his attention. Harlie knew instantly she was going to be his wife. Their love story began as they started courting and on September 2, 1951, Harlie and Ramona were married. They first settled in Morris, MN, where Harlie and Ramona welcomed twin boys, Brad and Bruce and daughter, Vicky. They eventually moved to Lauderdale, MN, welcoming Valorie and finally to New Brighton, MN, where they purchased their first home at 21 and were blessed with daughter, Lori. The best memories were made on the five-acre hobby farm in Prior Lake for the next 56 years, which became known as the Circle T Ranch.
Harlie truly loved being a father to his five children. He was always on the move and loved supporting them in their sporting events, school activities and hobbies, especially the passion for horses. As a family, they enjoyed the simple adventures in life, attending Como Zoo, swimming, boating and times at the cabin at Turtle Lake, WI. Family took on more meaning for Harlie becoming a grandpa and great grandpa. He was so proud of them and enjoyed their relationships! Harlie was most content being surrounded by family.
Harlie loved all things fast! He loved the many adventures snowmobiling, boating, car racing, NASCAR, waterskiing and even go karts. Harlie loved modifying the family cars and trucks. He also loved spending time in nature. Harlie enjoyed fishing locally and in Canada and hunting for pheasants, duck and deer with family and friends. He spent most of his career as a talented mechanic. Harlie’s dedication and expertise were shared with Scott Atwater Motors, owning his own Standard Oil Station, and most of his years with Bor-Son Construction inspecting cranes.
Once Harlie and Ramona were empty nesters, they were even more committed to their marriage and had more time playing and reliving their youth. Harlie and Ramona loved traveling to the North Shore, Red Wing, Alaska, Hawaii and 20 vacations to Mexico. He supported Ramona’s love of gardening, by expanding the flower beds, building a gazebo and water features.
In the later years, Harlie had many health challenges, but faced them with fierce fights. He was an inventor, had this unstoppable spirit, gentle and honest. Harlie continually was present in his family’s life, noticed details and most importantly had a strong faith. He will be forever loved by his high school sweetheart and wife of 72 years, Ramona; children, Brad (Kathy) Thompson, Bruce Thompson, Vicky (Mark) Gaughran, Valorie (Tom) Humbert, Lori (Bob) Mesenbrink; grandchildren, Laura, Sara, Becky, Jon, Ben, Ryan, Mindy, Julie, Trent, Nate, Kevin, Alex, Austin; great-grandchildren, Sam, Joe, Lauren, Alyssa, Abagail, Harley, Hunter, Joey, Cameron, Sadie, Travis, Sophie, Luke, Justice; brother, Wayne (Steve); sisters-in-law, Dorothy and Kathy; and other loving family and friends.
Greeting Harlie home in Heaven are his grandson, Jayson; parents, Merris and Opal; stepmom, Eve; sisters, Ron, Verna, Jean; brothers, Dean, Dale, Jack; stepsister, Jeanne; parents-in-law, Beulah and Bernard.
Memorials are preferred and will be distributed in his memory by the family.
