Wayne Gene Thompson, age 77, of Sandstone, MN passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026. Wayne was born on September 6, 1949, in Sandstone, MN to Floyd and Floretta (Day) Thompson of Bruno, MN. At age 6, Wayne went to live with his foster parents, Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Wanous of Pine City, MN. After graduating from Pine City High School, he enlisted in the Navy. He married Nelda Bell in 1970. They had 2 children, David and Christine. Tragically, David and Christine died in a fire in 1976. He and Nelda later divorced.

After his service in the Navy, he held a variety of jobs that kept him outdoors. He especially loved his work at a landscaping company near Minneapolis.

Wayne is survived by his son, Ryan Bell and their children of New Hope, MN; his siblings, Ann Bacon of Hermantown, MN, Linda Karlson of Sandstone, MN, Margie Laaveg of Park River, ND, Jennie Anderson of Grand Rapids, MN, Dale Thompson of Edinburg, ND and Bill Thompson of Owatonna, MN, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his children, Christine Thompson and David Thompson, and his siblings, Eldon Thompson, Clifton Thompson, Richard Thompson, Arnold Thompson, Jareld Thompson, Milton Thompson, Shirley Carroll, Norma O’Gary, Vera Charbonneau, Dorothy Ferguson and Juanita Myhre.

A graveside service with military honors will be held for Wayne at 1pm on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at the Hustletown Cemetery located behind the Hustletown Community Church at 17945 Blue Jay Lane, Pine City, MN.

Arrangements by Methven Funeral and Cremation Services of Sandstone, MN.