Robert Gerald 'Jerry' Thompson, 86

Robert Gerald (Jerry) Thompson went to be with the Lord on Sept. 19, 2024, in the comfort of his home. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Linda Thompson (Cohen); his sister, Laura Kuhn; and his children, Jerry Jr. (Colleen) Thompson and Mary (Larry) Soehren; his two grandchildren, Madison and Chase Soehren; and his sister and brother-in-law, Nancy and Mike McMillan. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Jerry was born to Willie B. and Ula Mae (Foster) Thompson on Nov. 24, 1937, in St. Louis, Mo. He attended Kirkwood High School, then trade school for autobody work, which launched his lifelong career. Jerry was known for the meticulous quality of his work. 

Jerry met his future wife, Linda, on a blind date. After a short courtship, they were married Nov. 23, 1957, the day before his 20th birthday. Jerry Jr. was born in 1958, and Mary was born in 1961 and named after his favorite aunt. 

While living in Missouri, Jerry loved hunting on his property in Rolla, visiting The Lake of the Ozarks, and fishing in the trout parks around the state. 

In 1974, the family moved to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, where Jerry continued working in the autobody industry. Jerry loved living in North Idaho, where he continued to hunt and fish. He also took up riding a dirt bike. Canfield was his favorite place to ride. Jerry also loved supporting his son and friends in motocross racing. He loved spending time with his grandkids, especially taking the kids to the pumpkin patches in the fall and teaching his grandson to hunt. His grandchildren were the light of his life.

Jerry retired in 2003. He enjoyed fishing and spending time at his son’s log home at Priest Lake. Jerry was one of a kind and will be missed by all who knew him. 

Please visit Jerry’s memorial and sign his guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.