Submitted by: Dan Rich

Carl B. Thompson

May 17, 1909 - Dec. 8, 2007

South Bend Tribune 12/12/2007
SOUTH BEND - Carl B. Thompson, 98, of St. Paul's Retirement Community, formerly of 122 N. Varsity Drive, died at 7:20 p.m. Saturday in St. Paul's Healthcare Unit. He was born in Putney, South Dakota, the son of Roy and Lydia Melcher Thompson. Carl attended school in South Dakota through the 8th grade before moving with his family to Constantine, Michigan. He graduated from Constantine High School in 1928 and then attended South Bend Business College.

On June 29, 1935, he married Helen C. Morris in White Pigeon, Michigan. Helen died at St. Paul's on March 29, 1995. Carl is survived by a son, Ronald Thompson (wife Virginia Elderkin-Thompson) of Palos Verdes Estates, CA; two grandchildren, Sara Stewart (husband Michael) of Redondo Beach, CA, and Craig Thompson (wife Michelle) of Bass Lake, CA; and two step-great-grandsons, Luke and Jimmie Bailey. Three sisters, Mabel Eckenberger, Fern Hutton and Reda Schuiteboer, preceded him in death.

Carl was employed by the Studebaker Corp. on November 28, 1933, and worked 38 years in printing, photography, parts pricing and the parts catalog development until his retirement in 1972 as one of the last active Studebaker employees. He became an active member of the Studebaker Drivers Club after his retirement and participated in promotion and funding drives for the first Studebaker Museum. He also became a tour guide for the St. Joseph County Natural History Museum. Carl was a member of Ridgedale Presbyterian Church during most of his adult life and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church at the time of his death.

Services will be held at St. Paul's on Thursday, Dec. 13, at 11:00 AM. Burial will be at the White Pigeon Cemetery in White Pigeon, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 601 W. Edison Road, Mishawaka, IN 46545. Palmer Funeral Home-River Park, South Bend, is assisting the family with arrangements.