Keith A Thompson

Keith A. Thompson of Worthington Ohio passed away early on August 3 at Mount Carmel/St. Anne’s hospital at the age of 83. Growing up in Rochester, MN he spent time fishing on the lake with his dad (Albert Thompson) and feasted on his mother’s (Frances Thompson) famous donuts. He is survived by his brothers Bruce (Marilyn) and Jeff and his sister Deanna Sanden. Graduating from Rochester High School in 1955, he entered the University of Minnesota, where his college experience was interrupted by his service in the Navy. He was able to use his passion for photography to serve his country.

Upon his return from the Navy he married his high school sweetheart, Mardella Kuehn, settling in Minneapolis and welcoming their children Holly, Steven, and Erik (Tiffany). Throughout his life he worked for ADM Chemical, Ashland Chemical, Sherex, and Witco Corporation. The job with Ashland Chemical brought the family to Worthington, Ohio in 1971. He enjoyed his vacations from work by camping with his family across the U.S., staying in many National Parks.

Keith retired from Witco in 1991. His love of travel never faded. With Mardella at his side, they visited all fifty states, many Presidential Libraries, and often stopped to visit out of the way points of interest. Willie Nelson’s On the Road Again always started their journey. Keith’s love of travel was not limited to the U.S. The couple also toured much of Europe and Scandinavia. A longtime dream was fulfilled when Keith and his wife sailed on a fully rigged tall ship through the Greek Isles to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. Their later visits to Normandy and Pearl Harbor left a great impression on him. His time at home was filled with woodworking projects, which he generously shared with his family, tinkering on his computer, tracing his family ancestry, fishing, bowling, and cheering on his favorite team, the Columbus Blue Jackets. In 1996, he welcomed his grandchildren to the family with the addition of Erik and Tiffany’s two children Alexander Thompson and Kathryn Thompson. Keith’s unwavering devotion to his family, friends, and loving wife will be his legacy.

Friends may call Wednesday August 11th from 6:00-8:00 at Schoedinger, 6699 North High Street Worthington. Additional visitation will be held from 12:00p-1:00p on Thursday August 12th at All Saints Lutheran Church, 6770 N High Street, Worthington with a Funeral Service officiated by Pastor Bonnie Gerber immediately following. Visit www.schoedinger.com to send online condolences to the family.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made on his behalf to Honor Flight Columbus, https://www.honorflightcmh.org/donate-today

“Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. All is well.” -Oliver Wright