Thompson reelects belated mayor

     Thompson Mayor Bob Johnson won his final election on Tuesday, Nov. 5, as voters reelected him for mayor just two days after his death.

     Johnson passed away Sunday, Nov. 3, at Mercy Medical Center in Mason City at the age of 85. He was serving his eighth year as mayor of Thompson, and he previously served on the Thompson City Council for 14 years. He also served for many years on the Thompson Fire Department and was a member of the VFW and the Bethany Lutheran Church Council.

     Johnson grew up in Thompson and graduated from Thompson High School in 1945. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he came back home to Thompson. His career included serving as owner and operator of Farmers Lumber Company and the Thompson movie theater, and he also farmed and worked in the Winnebago County Assessor’s Office.

     Services for Johnson were held Thursday, Nov. 7 at Bethany Lutheran Church, and inurnment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Thompson.