Eugene M. Thompson

Gene M. Thompson’s journey in life peacefully ended at home on March 13, 2019. At 86 years old, he enjoyed a full life of pleasures: family, friends, hunting, fishing, athletics, work, and his evening cocktail socials. Gene was the second born child of three to Keith J. and Lyle M. (Striker) Thompson of Lincoln. His parents, step-dad Harold Bower, older brother Keith J. Thompson, Jr., younger sister Mary Jane and husband Jerry Forney, oldest child and only son Michael Eugene, youngest daughter Shelly Ann Erhart, and mother of his children Irene (Huck) have pre-deceased Gene. Although Gene had to endure the pain of his predeceased relatives, as his family and friends must do now with his passing, he flourished and took pride in his family and accomplishments in life.

Gene is survived by his partner, friend and WIFE of 37 years, Gerri M. Quandt Ault. DAUGHTERS Penny & (Bob Jackson), Pam & (Al Hinrichs), Terri & (Scott Miller). STEP-SONS Jason Ault & (Tamara), Beau Ault & (Becky) GRANDCHILDREN Jami, Brittany, Brandon & (Zoe), Kendra & (Dusty), Josh & (Kirsten), Tara, Tiffany & (Curtis), Tyler & (Lindsay), Avriana, Evan, Everett, Michael, Tiannah, KeShawn, A’leea. SISTER & BROTHER-IN-LAWS Marlene & (Wally Power), Debra & (Paul Smedra), Allen Quandt & (Carol). 13 GREAT GRANDCHILDREN.

Gene’s love for hunting started at a very young age while hunting rabbits for his mother to cook for her favorite family dinner. This expanded to annual pheasant hunting trips on the way to hunt deer in western Nebraska. He also enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips in the U.S. and Canada. For his finale, he took two trips to Africa for big game hunts. While on his many hunting ventures, he acquired many trophy animals including a record book mule deer, caribou, moose, mountain grizzly, cape buffalo, wildebeest, impalas, eland, kudus, plus several more. His work ethics were commendable, on the game field, in the service and at work.

Gene enjoyed playing on the Northeast High school football team and was a valued player during their State Championship quest in the 1948-50’s. He was All State Honor Roll, Player of the Week, 2nd Team All State, and received Honorary Award for Ability and Sportsmanship in Athletic Competition which was presented to him by the governor, mayor, and president of Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. He graduated from NE High in 1950 and joined the Marines in January of 1951. While in the Marines he received a sharpshooter award and completed the Motor Transport School Automotive Mechanics Course. His Marine Corp service was cut short due to his father’s death and the need for Gene to help support his family at home, therefore, he received an Honorable Discharge from the Marines on September 24, 1951. He worked a few jobs in the automotive and electrical field and started working as a lineman for Consumer Public Power, which became Nebraska Public Power, and most recently known as Lincoln Electric System (LES). He worked his way through the ranks while at LES and retired in 1988 as Underground Construction & Maintenance Supervisor, after 37 years of service. Throughout Gene’s working years with LES, he also did many independent commercial and residential electrical jobs through his self-made company, Thompson Electric. In the 60’s he was instrumental in starting the 811 Diggers Hotline for Lincoln. In the late 70’s he was a member of the LES Advisory Committee for NTCC (Northeast Technical Community College) Utility Lineman Program, which provided education to students to expand their lineman careers. He was a member of the Lincoln Trap & Skeet Club, the American Legion, VFW, Elks, and IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers).

Gene may have been a private, quiet person but did enjoy sharing the stories of his hunting and fishing ventures. He lived a full life and those that knew him will miss him. His memories are a treasure in our hearts. Visitation will be on Friday, March 22, 6-8 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial, Lincoln, NE. Gene’s Celebration of Life will be on Sunday, April 28th, 1-5 p.m. at Merles Food and Drink, 8250 W. O St, Lincoln, NE. Memorials to the Family of Gene Thompson, 3900 Old Cheney Rd., Suite 201-125, Lincoln, NE 68516. The proceeds will be distributed to organizations that serve people in need of assistance for healthy lifestyle awareness and changes.