Richard Keith Thompson

RICHARD KEITH THOMPSON

U.S. MARINE HELICOPTER PILOT

After a long and distinguished life, Richard Keith Thompson returned home to the LORD early on Saturday morning, June 6, 2026, at the age of 87.

Dick was, at his core, a proud Minnesotan of Norwegian heritage, a faithful servant of GOD, a loyal American, and a United States Marine, through and through. Whether in a cockpit or in everyday life, he met every challenge with steadfast courage, precision and calmness that reassured everyone around him.

Dick was born on July 25, 1938, in Faribault, Minnesota, to Harold Underdahl Thompson and Klara Nicolena (Bakke) Thompson. Alongside his brother Stan, older by 15 months, he spent his childhood exploring the small town of Faribault, MN that he loved and anticipating his summers at the family cabin in northern Minnesota at Lake Vermilion. His father worked as an accountant for Treasure Cave Cheese, and his mother devoted herself to raising two boys and taught at the Minnesota School for the Deaf. It was rare for the time, but she had a Masters Degree from Ripon College, class of 1930. Dick attended Faribault Senior High School, class of 1956. He was awarded an ROTC scholarship to the University of Minnesota where he majored in history. He was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity and graduated with the class of 1960.

Dick joined the United States Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida. Known by the call sign “Tommy,” Dick served 20 years in the Marine Corps, including two tours in Vietnam flying medivac helicopters. He was awarded the Bronze Star. After his last tour in Vietnam, Richard joined Marine Helicopter Squadron One (HMX-1) for the Nixon Administration. He was the youngest of 52 majors selected for the most prestigious of missions – direct support of the President and Vice President of the United States. He later recounted flying over the Rose Bowl game in Pasadena, California, and sitting on the 50 yard line at Army-Navy football games as great perks of the job. Nobody was allowed to say a critical word about President Nixon in Dick Thompson’s presence. His last assignment in the Marine Corps was Liaison Officer to the U.S. House of Representatives. Yet for all his accomplishments. His last assignment in the Marine Corps prepared him for his second career as a lobbyist for Sikorsky Aircraft of United Technologies. In retirement he continued to pursue his interests in politics and history by following Congress and staying informed about current events and sports. He was constantly exploring updated technologies and tinkering with new gadgets.

Dick was the proud father to his son, Richard Keith Thompson, II and daughter. Desiree Thompson Sayle. He was the beloved Papa to his cherished grandchildren, Bela, Vivienne and Christian Sayle. He was there the moment each arrived in this world and remained ever present on the sidelines, taking great pride in their accomplishments rarely without a camera, his handy work documented and preserved cherished memories for his great granddaughter, Ivy and those who will follow.

Those closest to him knew him first as a devoted husband. He got married to Jeanie (Lorenz) Thompson on December 31st, 1986. They were the love of each other's lives for over 39 years. From Washington, D.C. to their home state of Minnesota, they built a beautiful life together on Clear Lake and thrived in simply being together with their beloved rescue companions, all while surrounded by the beautiful land of 10,000 lakes. They were devoted Minnesota Gopher fans and avid supporters of the Minnesota Vikings and Twins baseball.

He leaves behind a legacy of service, honor, and devotion to family that will continue to live on through future generations.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Underdahl Thompson and Clara Nicalena (Bakke) Thompson. He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 40 years, Jeanie (Lorenz) Thompson; his brother, Stanley Paul Thompson (Karen); his son, Richard Keith Thompson II; his daughter, Desiree Thompson Sayle; his grandchildren, Isabela Klara Sayle (Zach), Vivienne Anna Sayle, and Stephen Christian Sayle; his great-granddaughter, Ivy Nadia Lehkyi.

His family is tremendously thankful to the staff of Benedictine Living in Owatonna, Minnesota and St. Croix Hospice who provided such loving care and comfort during the tough times. A special thank you to a dear friend, Lindsey Barbknecht, who always knew just what to say and do to ease his suffering. She made him laugh. His family is so grateful.

LtCol Dick Thompson will be interred with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, a fitting resting place for a proud Marine.

We will hold him in our hearts forever.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith…”

2 Timothy 4:7-8