Donald (Don) Eugene Thompson was born in Brandt, South Dakota on June 19th, 1927. The fourth child of seven, he grew up with three brothers and three sisters on the family farm, where he learned the meaning of hard work from an early age.

In 1945, Don enlisted in the United States Navy. He began working with a lieutenant commander medic who convinced him not to re-enlist and to pursue a college education in medicine. Using his G.I. Bill benefits and his savings from working at a meat packing company, he earned his undergraduate degree in pre-med from Augustana University in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He went on to attend medical school at the University of South Dakota and Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

During the summer of 1954 Don met his future wife, LaVerne (Tudy) Schulte. Tudy was a nurse at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, South Dakota, and Don was working at the same hospital as an orderly. They married the following November on Thanksgiving Day.

In 1955 they had their first child, Gaylon, before moving from South Dakota to California. Don completed his residency in Merced, California, where their daughter, Sheila, was born.  In 1957 the family moved to Gilroy, where Don started a successful private practice on 1st Street. He worked diligently, building a reputation in Gilroy as a kind, dedicated, and skilled physician.

In 1960, the family moved to Filice Drive in Gilroy, and their second daughter, Glenda, was born. Their fourth child, Eric, was born in 1968. Don and Tudy raised their family in Gilroy until Don's retirement. After many years, he moved his practice to Morgan Hill. In 1983 Don worked in the emergency room at Santa Theresa Hospital in South San Jose. In 1989 he opened an office in the new Saint Louise Hospital in Morgan Hill. Upon retiring in 1995 (for the 2nd time), he and Tudy moved to Roseville, California. They lived there until returning once more to Gilroy in 2015.

Although Don was not known for wasting time, he did take time to enjoy life. He enjoyed hunting and camping in Modoc County each fall with his Filice Drive and neighboring friends, and taking his family on long summer vacations to see the sights of America. He loved South Lake Tahoe, where he and his family spent time together skiing in the winter and going to the  lake in the summer. Don loved to crack jokes and share funny stories. He also enjoyed baseball, playing basketball and golf, playing harmonica, and following politics.

An integral member of the Gilroy Community for 40 years, Don is remembered and respected by his many patients, business associates, and friends. He was deeply loved by all his family. The family is grateful for all the people they have met through the friendships he forged during his lifetime.

Don was preceded in death by his parents Sylvia and Lorenzo. His in-laws Frank and Frances Schulte. His three brothers, Harlin, Virgil, and Maynard Thompson, and his three sisters, Phylis Propst, Lorraine Hardie, and Virginia Stevanus. His brother- and sister in-laws, John Propst, Kay Hardie, Forest Schmahl, Mary Ann and Gerald Schulte, Roman and Ester Schulte, Ralph Schulte, Cliff and Jeanette Schulte, Sally and Laddie Schulte, Gerald and Mary Ann Schulte, Donald Schulte and Harry and Dodie Schulte.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, LaVerne (Tudy) Thompson, his children, Gaylon Thompson, Sheila Thompson, Glenda Zanger (Joe) and Eric Thompson (Beth). He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Gerrod (Lea), Megan (Josh), Elliot (Laura), Aubree, Taryn, and Taylor, three great granddaughters, Margot & Ava Zanger, and Emery Zanger Reid, and grandson, Silas Zanger. Also numerous nieces and nephews. Sister-in-laws Esther Thompson, Louise Neuhalfen, Sharon Schulte and Marge Schulte.

A service in celebration of Don's life will be held at St. Mary church in Gilroy at 10 AM on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 with a reception to follow at Fortino Winery. All are welcome to attend.