Charles (“Chuck”) Nels Thompson, 82, passed away peacefully in his sleep in Tucson, Arizona on January 4, 2026.

Chuck was born on February 16th, 1943 to Kermith and Ardyce (Doty) Thompson in Fresno, California. After graduating from Dell Rapids High School in 1961, Chuck landed his first job in the South Dakota transportation department. Teaching himself programming skills, he was offered his first computing position, launching his lifelong career and passion in software development, IT, and consulting for major, international firms including Northwest Banks (now Wells Fargo), Cytrol (as an original partner), Price Waterhouse Coopers, Deluxe Checks, Khimetrics, and Adsoft. He was a natural leader and sought-after executive who played a transformative role in countless projects and teams. Even in “retirement” he enjoyed coding and app development, developing solvers for sudoku and wordle and securing regular contract work for fun.

Chuck was an avid musician and athlete, who had a passion for both playing and teaching/coaching. He was a talented cellist and pianist, playing in the St. Paul Civic Symphony Orchestra for many years, the pit orchestra for productions like Beauty and the Beast, and with various community groups and friends. At home, his family was treated regularly to practice sessions on both instruments, and especially loved hearing him play Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” on the piano and Bach’s Cello Suites. As an athlete, he played fastpitch softball for many years, going to the National Tournament (in 1983 and 1986) with multiple teams (Tappers & Stingers), pitching a perfect game, and having lots of fun on and off the field. For many years, he also enjoyed running year-round (even in MN winters!). His grit and strength was remarkable, even in his final months as he fought chronic health challenges. We will always remember his infectious love of his passions, which he shared through years of teaching and coaching within the community and at home.

Chuck married Janet Schwahn in 1962, and had two loving daughters together, Katherine Mies and Kristine Norton. In 1973, Chuck married Marilyn, and had two additional loving daughters, Susan Carpenter and Diane Thompson. Marilyn and Chuck celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary last year. His children and grandchildren were his greatest pride and joy in life, a pride that he shared with anyone and everyone he met. The family will cherish the memories and quality time spent together over his amazing 82 year life.

Chuck is survived by his wife Marilyn Thompson and their daughters Susan Carpenter, and Diane Thompson; his daughters from his first marriage to Janet, Katherine Mies, Kristine Norton; his siblings Sharon Small, Linda Buechler, CharLee Wild, Carla Barth, and Ray Thompson; and many loving grandchildren, great grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild. Chuck was predeceased by Kermith and Ardyce Thompson.

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