Donald E. Thompson Sr.

Donald E. Thompson Sr, 84, of Machesney Park, IL passed away on May 24, 2021 with his family by his side. Donald was born in Freeport, IL on January 12, 1937 to George and Hazel Thompson. Donald stopped school in 5th grade to start working and help support his family. He was an extremely smart man for only having a 5th grade education; being able to fix anything you gave him and giving great life advice and wisdom to anyone who needed it. In 1954 Donald married the love of his life, Betty VanBuskirk. Shortly after he was married Donald was called to serve his country in the National Guard. He served from 1954 to 1956 before returning home. When he had returned home Donald spent the duration of his career working for Rockford Blacktop as well as Sjostrom and Sons.

Donald enjoyed working on cars, tree trimming, jigsaw puzzles, country music, cowboy TV shows, collecting eagle oriented items and watching eagles, but most of all he loved his family and would do anything for them. He would give the shirt off his back for anyone and expect nothing in return, as described by his family “a man with no enemies”, just a great heart. Donald will be truly missed along with his witty jokes and euphemisms that he would crack at a moments notice.

Donald is survived by his wife Betty Thompson; children, Patricia (Scott) Krueger, Loretta (John) LaMagdelaine, Sally (Jay) Hoefle, Donald (Jo) Thompson Jr, and David (Cindy) Thompson; grandchildren, Jason, Jeremy, Miranda, Nathan, Travis, Dana, Donald, Shawna, Dillon, Courtney, Rene, and Marie; 14 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, numerous siblings and William “Bill” Gork.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 28, 2021 from 12 pm until the time of service at 2pm at Sunset Funeral Home (8800 N. Alpine Rd, Machesney Park, IL). Interment to follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Serenity Hospice as well as Nurse CJ whom Donald bonded with immediately and ultimately became a part of the family.