A transcription of pages 195-469,
Family Histories from the Verdigre Centennial Book
Thanks to the Verdigre Library and its volunteers for making this available.
 
The index below only includes the husband and wife for each family.
The maiden name for the wife is used if listed.
For other names, use the search on the Home Page.

Index's A-I, J-P, & Q-Z

MELVIN THOMPSON

Melvin Thompson was born living, to Benjamin and Clara Thompson on a farm west of Niobrara. He was the youngest of ten children which included Marie (deceased), Ben, Herbert, James, Helen, Ione, Frances, Donna, and Gene (deceased).

When Mel turned 13 the family moved into the town of Niobrara where Mel attended school until he graduated in 1951. He played football and basketball and also worked after school at the W. W. Marshall Grocery Store. He attended Boys’ State and received a trophy for “Most Valuable Player” in football. After graduation Mel worked for a number of years on the railroad.

On November 25, 1954, he married Shirley Dobrichovsky and they made their home in Verdigre where she held a teaching position.

He later worked for the John Deere Co. and managed and operated Mel’s Service for a number of years.

In 1956 he entered the U. S. army where he served for two years, a year in Germany and France.

Mel always felt it his civic duty to participate in community organizations; he was a member of the town board and became mayor of Verdigre, served on the school board, the Verdigre Volunteer Fire Department, and is presently president of the Lions Club.

His favorite hobbies include watching football where for about 18 years he did his best as announcer for the VHS Hawks football games. He still announces baseball games and is always willing to help out when needed. Fishing is another interest, as are vacations in Colorado and Minnesota and family get togethers.

Mel and Shirley were blessed with two daughters, Lori Lynn, born living, and Kathi Ann, born living. The girls grew up enjoying nature as Mel always included his family in his fishing and hunting activities and taught them to appreciate the simple things in life. They took great interest in their daughters’ school activities and tremendous pride in each of their accomplishments through the years.

Daughter Lori played clarinet in the VHS Band, was cheerleader, a member of the National Honor Society, drama club, and was 1977 Homecoming Queen. After graduation she attended Wayne State College for one year where she was elected to the Alpha Lambda Delta National Honorary. She was a candidate for “Queen of the Green.” On June 9, 1979, she became the bride of Dennis Pierce and they made their home in Verdigre. She was a dealer in Home Interirs for several years, but now holds a position at the National Bank of Neligh - Verdigre Branch.

[pg 422 photo Melvin and Shirley Thompson]

Lori and Dennis have been blessed with two children, Brett Aaron, 6 ½ and Staci Marie, 3 1/2. Their tremendous amount of energy keeps grandfather on his toes! He loves to spend time as he did with his two girls, fishing, having picnics, reading, and talking with the grandchildren. One of his greatest joys is to hear the grandchildren come in the door and ask, “Can we stay overnight, Grandpa Mel?”

Daughter Kathi was in Girl Scouts, played volleyball, basketball, was cheerleader, member of the art club, V-club, drama club, National Honor Society, Spanish club, Luther League, and was crowned Junior-Senior Prom Queen. She was 1985 Valedictorian and received the Regents Scholarship. After graduation, Kathi got a job at Country Creations and Heaton’s Grocery Store. On February 23, 1986, she and Patrick Liska were married and they reside on a farm six miles north of Verdigre.

The Thompson family always believed in doing things together. Mel, Shirley, Lori, and Kathi participated in two community pageants, “Fiddler on the Roof,” and “Echoes of the Verdigris Valley.”

Mel’s philosophy of life is simply - “live each day to the fullest - enjoy life - make each day count!”

Pages 421, 422