Glen Sterling Thompson

1945 - 2020

Eden Prairie, MN - Glen Sterling Thompson, age 75 died peacefully on December 29, 2020 in St. Louis Park, MN. Born November 28, 1945, in Kenosha, WI, "exactly 25 years after the founding of the Grand Ole Opry," his greatest passion and purpose aside from his family.

He graduated from St. Joseph High School, Kenosha, and The Saint Paul Seminary, St. Paul, MN. He worked for the City of Kenosha for 28 years, serving as Superintendent of the Waste Department for 20 years. In 2001, he retired to Gallatin and in 2017, moved to the Twin Cities, Minnesota to be close to his children and grandchildren.

Glen was a guitarist and singer-songwriter, specializing in old country music, "the whinier and sadder, the better." His willingness to share his love for the Opry and for country music was renowned by all who met Glen. He performed on the "Junior Grand Ole Opry" TV program in 1955 at the age of 9, along with several other radio and television programs. He continued to attend the Opry several times a year for decades. In 1987, he became the President of the newly-formed Grand Ole Opry Fan Club, and continued in this role for 23 years. He purchased his front row Opry tickets three years in advance for as long as he could, and in 1980, secured tickets for the 100th Anniversary Celebration in2025. Glen hosted a monthly in-home gathering known as "Country 101" for 13 years to honor country stars and their music.

Glen also loved baseball, history, old movies, and playing cards. He had a gregarious laugh, loved a cold beer, a chocolate malt, and a good meal with friends.

Glen was preceded in death by his parents, Sterling and Eleanor (Kerkman) Thompson. Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 46 years, Louise (Simmons) Thompson, son Jerel (Kate) Thompson; daughter Clare (Craig Behrendt) Thompson; grandchildren Anna and Jaina Thompson; and cousins Sandy Miller, Bev (Ed) Van Tine, Linda (Tom) Mickewicz and Toni Myhre.

A private service was held January 8 in Minnetonka, MN. A larger celebration of life will be held in Summer 2021 in Nashville. Glen will be buried next to the first performer on the Grand Ole Opry, "Uncle Jimmy" Thompson, at LaGuardo Cemetery in Wilson County, Tennessee.

Memorials appreciated to the American Music Therapy Association.