Lynn Erling Thompson

Lynn Erling Thompson, 85, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on March 1, 2025. A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, Lynn will be fondly remembered for his generosity, quick-wit, and adventurous spirit. Born on July 15, 1939, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Lynn was the son of Kermit and Vivian Thompson and brother to Debbie Thompson. He lived in Minnesota until he joined the Navy in February of 1958 (to escape the cold weather, he would joke). He served his country admirably aboard the USS Galveston for three years, including support of the naval blockade near Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After his stint in the Navy, he met and married his beautiful wife of 61 years, Meredith Petersen, and eventually moved to Illinois. Lynn started a long career as a CPA-turned-auditor for numerous Fortune 500 companies while raising a family in Wheaton, Illinois. He retired in 1996 to Sun Lakes, Arizona, where he lived the rest of his life. Though he enjoyed golf in his early retirement years, Lynn’s greatest passion was photography–a hobby he began in 1980. He is known for his spectacular photos and expertise behind the lens. His photography took him worldwide, yet catching the sunrise over the Superstition Mountains, Grand Canyon, and Monument Valley were always among his favorite places. As much as he relished capturing the beauty of trees blanketed in snow or eagles soaring through the sky, it was the friendships and people he met along the way that he truly cherished. Lynn’s life was greatly enriched by his camera club companions who joined him on trips to Africa, Iceland, Russia, the Galapagos Islands, and so much more. His photos delight many people–residents at Robson Reserve pause at his door to savor the picture on display, family members decorate their homes with his art, and students appreciate his landscapes on the school library walls where his daughter worked. Though his photography days have come to an end, his art will continue to bring joy to others for a long time to come. Lynn lived a vibrant life, filled with the love of family and treasured friends. He is survived by his wife, Meredith Thompson, and his two daughters Sara Bruck (Todd Bruck) of Atlanta, Georgia and Polly Vogt (Ryan Vogt) of Chandler, Arizona. His beloved grandchildren include Gavin Vogt, Jaeden Vogt, and Jack Bruck, who were among his dearest treasures. Lynn will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He lives in our hearts and memories, and his influence will remain with us for the rest of our lives. Per his request, there will be no service.