William "Bill" Thompson

William A. (Bill) Thompson, 68, of Spearfish SD passed from this life on June 10, 2019 surrounded by his family.

Bill was born on February 24, 1951 in Mayville ND, son of J. Chester Thompson and Bertha (Oie). 

Bill graduated from Mayville high school in 1969 and continued on to receive his bachelor’s of science degree in education from Mayville State University in 1973. On July 1, 1972 Bill married the love of his life, Barb (Roden). They were married for 48 years and had two children, Brandon and Lori. 

Bill taught high school math in Nekoma for 7 years before he and his family moved to Beulah in 1980. Bill taught high school science in Beulah for 28 years. During this time he enjoyed hunting, camping and was often found fishing on his boat at the lake. 

In 2007 Bill retired from teaching and he and Barb enjoyed traveling across the US on their motorcycle. Attending the Sturgis Rally each summer with his brother Ron was always a highlight. Bill enjoyed traveling and later bought an RV to spend winters in the south. In 2011 Bill and Barb fulfilled their dream of living in the Black Hills and moved to Spearfish SD. Bill enjoyed life in the forest and took pride in the beautiful place they created, and later opened their home as an Airbnb. 

Bill was an amazing grandpa and enjoyed spending time with his tribe; Braeden, Matthew, Kira, Kinden, Logan, Lily, Mason, Gilbert, Jaxon, Ruth and Addisyn. He loved to entertain the kids and made it his mission to come up with exciting things to entertain them. He took them hiking, tubing and even built them a zipline at his home in the hills. 

Bill will be dearly missed by his wife Barb of Spearfish SD; son, Brandon (Janet) Hawley MN; daughter, Lori (Justin) Georgetown TX; his 11 grandchildren; brothers, Ron (Marilyn) of Eau Claire WI and Dave of Mesa Arizona. Numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.  

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Bertha; brother Jim and grandson Landon. 

Funeral: Tuesday, June 18, 2019 at 2 PM at West Funeral Home Chapel, West Fargo with visitation one hour prior.

Burial: Tuesday at 6 PM at the Mayville Cemetery. 

West Funeral Home & Life Tribute Center

westfuneralhome.com

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