Howard Knute Thompson

Howard Knute Thompson of Northbrook passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024, at the age of 89. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Joanne and his first wife Betty Zinn Thompson. Howard was born in Benton Harbor, MI in 1934, the second child of Gilman and Catharine Thompson. He spent a happy childhood sailing, fishing, playing football, earning the rank of Eagle Scout and singing in concerts and musicals. After graduating from Benton Harbor High School, he earned a degree in chemistry from Michigan State University. As a freshman he joined the Glee Club, becoming president in his senior year and capping off the four years with an appearance on the Ed Sullivan show in December 1955. Upon graduation, he immediately 1. married Betty Zinn and 2. was assigned to the army base at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, having been a member of ROTC through college. His first job after his discharge was teaching chemistry at Grosse Pointe High School in Michigan. Two years later he accepted a position in the training department at Jones and Laughlin Steel Company where he eventually was responsible for hiring and training all the employees for a new plant in Hennepin, IL. In 1970, Howard joined the HR training division at Baxter International and the family moved to Libertyville, IL. His job required him to travel extensively in the US, Europe and Asia. As soon as he retired from Baxter in 1996, Howard and Betty moved to Florida where they enjoyed tennis and boating and continued to explore the world. Sadly, Howard lost his cherished wife to cancer only two years after retiring. Throughout his life, Howard was active in volunteer work spending countless hours as a Boy Scout leader, after-school homework coach, and unloading cars at the church thrift shop. For twelve years, he was an enthusiastic member of the 100-voice choir at First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs, FL where Howard and his second wife, Gail, spent the winters. Howard maintained many long-lasting friendships from grade school through his working years and retirement. His friends meant the world to him. Howard is survived by his wife of 24 years, Gail Robinson Thompson, his three children from his first marriage, Kathy DiCianni, Pete Thompson and Howard Scott (Terri) Thompson and his stepdaughters Deryn (Larry) Pilliod and Ceri Hartnett. He took great joy in his nine grandchildren Matt (Sophia) DiCianni, Kristen (Travis) Dettman, Ellie (Scott) Friske, Jack DiCianni, Ashley (Jared) McPartlin, Carly Funk, Melanie Thompson, Andrew Thompson, Alivia Thompson, Kyla Pilliod, Luke Pilliod, Kiaran Hartnett, Liam Hartnett and Bryn Hartnett. Howard was also very proud to be a great grandfather to Reagan, James, Luca, Gia, Jack and Olivia. A visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at Burnett Dane Funeral Home, 120 W. Park Ave. in Libertyville, IL. To view services virtually, a link is available on the funeral home website beginning at 12:30 p.m. Interment will be at Lakeside Cemetery in Libertyville. Instead of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to Compassion International, a worldwide organization committed to supporting children living in poverty, www.compassion.com. Howard and Gail have sponsored a child, Rashelys, in the Dominican Republic since 2016. For info: 847-362-3009 or share a memory at www.burnettdane.com. Click link below to view services live beginning at 12:30 p.m. Sat. Oct. 5, 2024 https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/a24092591138024

Howard Knute Thompson

August 25, 1934 - August 8, 2024