Dean R. Thompson, age 64, of Esko, Minnesota passed away Thursday, October 10, 2024 at Inter-Faith Care Center in Carlton.

Dean Ronald Thompson was born February 16, 1960 in Ellendale, North Dakota to Ron and Priscilla (Longtin) Thompson. He graduated from Montevideo High School in 1978.

In 1977, Dean married Wendy Turnquist and they welcomed their sons, Erik and Michael. Dean drove truck for General Fiberglass and several other companies before he moved to Esko in 1998.

In Esko, Dean met the love of his life, Shirley Bennett. The couple were wed in 1999 and spent 24 years together. Dean worked for Michaud Distributing until February 2023 when he decided to retire and take care of Shirley. She passed away on December 18, 2023 and his heart was broken ever since.

Dean loved demolition derbies. He ran in many derbies throughout the years, building up and tearing apart countless cars. He passed this love on to his sons, grandsons and nephews and was always the first to help get their cars ready to run. Many nights were spent in his garage preparing for the upcoming derby and if a couple beers were had, that was okay too. If you couldn't find Dean, he was more than likely off tinkering around in his garage.

Dean and Shirley enjoyed trips to South Dakota, St. Cloud, and their yearly visit to the State Fair. They loved to spend time with their families and made sure they were at many events to support their grandkids. Dean was hardworking and stubborn but made sure you knew how much he loved you.

Dean is survived by his sons, Erik (Heidi) Thompson and Michael (Lori) Thompson; step-sons, Craig (Donielle) Bennett, Derek (Hollie) Bennett, Tad (Rachelle) Bennett; 19 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; siblings, Catherine (Sariah) Thompson, Mary (Tom) Tyman), David Thompson, Dale (Angie) Thompson, Stacy (Craig) Olson; as well as several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his first wife, Wendy; and his parents, Ron and Priscilla Thompson.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. Luke's Hospice, Inter-Faith Care Center, and Deacon Jon Skansgaard for his kind and comforting words.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be from 10 am until the 11 am service on Thursday, October 17, 2024 in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.  Lunch will follow the service at the funeral home.  Inurnment will be in Maple Grove Cemetery, Cloquet at 2 pm.

Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.