A lifelong testament to the value of disability services: Joe Thompson, 82

MSS in St. Paul recently said goodbye to one of its best and longest-term supporters, a person-served with 57 years of involvement, about 80 percent of the nonprofit’s 73-year history.

Joe Thompson was an extremely positive person and had an infectious smile that would light up a whole room, MSS reported in a Facebook post. He passed away on December 11, 2021 at the age of 82.

“I don’t know of any place I’d rather be than right here,” said Thompson in a 2019 Gala celebration video made at MSS.

Three years earlier, he tried to retire and stayed home to watch westerns. That lasted about eight months. He returned to MSS to see his friends two days a week and soon increased his attendance.

Thompson had a strong faith and told his family he would be in heaven on his next birthday, said MSS President Julie Johnson. That was the day of his funeral. The event was livestreamed on Facebook so others from MSS could attend virtually.

Thompson worked a wide range of jobs and participated in activities at MSS. He spent many years doing work for 3M and then later moved to Day Support Services and focused on the things he loved best: friendships, ice cream, gin rummy, and anything to do with tractors, according to the nonprofit. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels and loved the outdoors - especially animals and farms.

“I just thank God for MSS because it has been a real blessing to my heart,” said Thompson in a recent interview.

Thompson is survived by his brother, Richard, and other family members. The family chose MSS and Summit Church for gifts and memorials in his honor.

See Joe Thompson's obituary.