Howard LeRoy Thompson, Jr., 93, of Deer River, MN passed away Friday, February 6, 2026, at his home.

Howard was born in 1932 to Howard, Sr. and Marybelle Thompson in Deer River, MN. On July 10, 1964, he was united in marriage to Carol Mayo.  Howard was a heavy equipment operator and worked for the 49er's Union and later was a logger.   Howard enjoyed woodworking, tinkering on projects, spending time with his family and grandchildren, and was an avid deer hunter.  He was a canoe derby champion and developed his own campground behind his home.  Howard loved mowing his lawn and spent many hours on his riding lawn mower.

He is preceded in death by his parents; infant child Thompson; two brothers, Harlow and Lyle Thompson; two sisters, Helen Arver and Sylvia Stangland; and grandchild, Sean Horner.

Howard is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Jackie (Mark) Graves of Washington State, WA and Jacqueline (John) Payne of Deer River, MN; sons, Steve Thompson of Washington State, WA, Perry (Kristi) Thompson of Washington State, Kelly (Kathy) Thompson of Washington State, Russell (JoAnn) Horner of Deer River, MN, and Thomas Horner of Grand Rapids, MN; one sister, Lorraine Storlie of Cohasset, MN; two brothers, LaVerne Thompson of Baudette, MN and Rodney Thompson of Inver Grove Heights, MN; 13 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 14, 2026, beginning at 10:00 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Deer River, MN with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 AM at the church.  Rev. James Anthony will officiate.  Burial will be at Olivet Cemetery in Morse Township, MN at a later date.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.