Barry Carlester Thompson

Barry Carlester Thompson, age 79, of Webster, Wisconsin, and formerly of Austin, Minnesota, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Barry was born on January 8, 1945, in Austin, Minnesota, to Charles and Betty (Raimer) Thompson. He graduated from Austin High School in 1963. Barry met Mary Jane Nordland while she attended Blooming Prairie High School; he would come up to see her cheerlead. The couple was united in marriage on October 8, 1966, at Moscow Lutheran Church in rural Austin. Barry farmed for 18 years in rural Austin before he received the call to be a pastor. Ministry was his passion and his life’s work. He served the community as the pastor of Austin Christian Fellowship Church for 35 years. Barry also served on the Blooming Prairie School Board, was a member of Meadow Greens Golf Course – Ramsey, and enjoyed being active on a bowling league in Blooming Prairie. In 2015, Barry and Mary moved to Webster, Wisconsin, to be closer to their family and be able to chase their grandkids. In retirement, Barry enjoyed 4-wheeling and riding trikes with Mary. He was a very personable and kind man who will be missed by all. 

Barry is survived by his wife, Mary; children, Eric (Denise) Thompson of Austin, Leif (Coleen) Thompson of Danbury, Wisconsin, Kyle (Robyn) Thompson of Sparta, Wisconsin, Tamra (Cameron) Smith of Danbury, Wisconsin; grandchildren, Ashley Thompson, Lauren (Jack) Berger, Michael Schmidtke, Tyler (Kyrie Grams) Schmidtke, Trenton, Corey, Nathan, and Adam Thompson, Samuel, Caleb, Joshua, and Matthew Smith; great-grandchildren, Nora and Claire Berger, Ethan, Lucan, and Greyson Schmidtke, Adelynne Grams, and McKoy Schmidtke; siblings, Rodney (Jan) Thompson, Charlane (Mike) Benson, Rhonda (Brooks) Heimer, and Scott (Brenda) Thompson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Betty; and stepmom, Irene Thompson.

A celebration of Barry’s life will be held from 5:00-8:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at Worlein-Hoff Funeral Home in Austin. A private family interment will be in Red Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Austin. Worlein-Hoff Funeral Homes are assisting the family with arrangements.