I just recently learned of nelsons passing and was so saddened by the news. I worked with nelson a few years ago at CB. By far the best manager you could ask for. What a kind man. The conversation between he and I that I will never forget as I was just beginning college he asked me what I wanted to do and told me about his daughter. He said I asked my daughter this question and do you know what job she replied with? She told me dad I just want to be a mom. And nelson told me he thought that was the best job she could do. I'll never forget that. He always talked so highly and loving of his family. I've never met a manager like him. Until we see him again,may God watch over your family.

Dear Patty and Family,
I was shocked and saddened as I just read about Nelson's passing in the AHS Alumni Newsletter.  We always planned to look you all up and get reconnected 'some time'.  For this earthly life we're disappointed we didn't try sooner.  May our thoughts and prayers be with you and yours, we would love to see you sometime in the future, our home in Utah is always open to you for a visit.  In Christ's everlasting love,
Dave & Leslie Frederick

We're so sorry to hear of Nelson's passing away.  Darrel had so much fun when Nelson and his family came to visit in Arcola.  The Thompson's always had a good time and shared so much laughter.  May God bless you and your family and bring you comfort.  You will continue to be in our prayers.

Just got word of NELSONS passing. This leaves me distorted and sadden. I like Nelson, considered him a good man and a true friend.

Dear Patty and Family,
I was shocked to hear of Nelson's passing. We worked together at Landmark Restaurant, me as a waitress and him as a manager. My name is Michelle Geary (Gaffield). My dad (Dick Gaffield) and Nelson were good friends and Nelson was a wonderful person!! He is one of the reasons I am the person I am today! I learned alot from him about customer service etc. and just plain how to treat people! May he rest in peace and may your family find ease in this time of sorrow! So sorry for your loss!!

I am so sorry to hear that Nelson passed away. I always enjoyed going to work at Cracker Barrel because he just made it a great place to work at even when we had a busy day.

Dear Patty and family,
We are extremely sadden by your loss.  Life is so fleeting.  Cherish all the wonderful memories that God has given you. And may the God of all comfort, comfort you all.

Patty and Kids,
Dean and I just found out about Nelson's passing. Words cannot express our shock and sadness at your loss. Nelson always had a great story to tell and he always stopped to talk to us when we'd go into his store. He will be sorely missed. Our prayers go out to you and your whole family.

To your family from mine,
I'm dearly sorry for yours and our loss of a great man!! Working the passed year and a half with Nelson was a blessing!! Nelson was always there for me when I needed a shoulder to cry on and he treated me like I was one of his own and gave me advice. I missed his stories of his family and of times of humor. He will be very missed here in my heart and at Cracker Barrel!!

I've had the hardest time coming up with words to express my sympathy for your loss. Nelson always has had my greatest respect. He is a person that people don't have many negative things to say. I feel that he lived life to the fullest every day! I worked at Cracker Barrel fresh out of high school, until I married & started my own family. Nelson is one of the few that always supported me. I never was scared to ask his opinion because I KNEW he would tell me. God Bless you and your family.

A big "Thank You" to all for your thoughts and prayers. It has been such a comfort to our family to know that Dad was loved by so many and that he touched so many lives.

To Nelson's Family,
We have been out of town and just returned to learn the sad news of Nelson's passing.

What a joy it has been in getting to know Nelson at the Cracker Barrel. We had just spoke to him about helping teach a waitstaff class for the youth at Youth For Christ City Life Cafe in Wichita. Nelson loved his children a lot and spoke highly of them and we knew he would be the one to ask to volunteer to help the youth. He was willing to do this on his time off. What a wonderful man Nelson was. We will miss him a lot. We will also miss "Eggs by Nelson"!
Nelson was the type of manager that would step up to the plate and was not afraid to work side by side with his staff. It's hard to fine such a manager. We will miss him a lot.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family and staff.
Sincerely,
Bill & Sandy Fox

Nelson was my manager at the Landmark and his vibrant happy personality added so much to the atmosphere for the employees and guests.  I'm happy to have had the pleasure of knowing him.  He will be missed by many.  My thoughts are with you.

Patty & Family,
Today as Rick spoke of his memories of Nelson I too had the same. Always seeing him pull up in his big truck to the music he was listening to. I worked in the front for almost eight years. I was never good at shooting rubber bands but he was. I remember a time when the Red Hat ladies came in, he put on a red women's hat and boa and joined them at the table. He could put a smile on your face so easily. He was a wonderful man and I'm so thankful to have known him.

I worked with Nelson for several years at Landmark.  He was a highly influencial person in my life.  I can attribute many of my successes to him and value many of the lessons he taught me.  He truly had a postive on so many of us in the Williamsburg area.  My wife and I are both saddened by your loss and we both have many fond memories of him.

Our family eats at Cracker Barrel often and Nelson was such a nice man.  He was always visiting with us and was such a delightful person.  A great manager.  He will be missed.  Our prayers are with you and your family. The Paul Dugger family

To Nelson'S family I just got home from one of the saddest and yet a wonderful celebration of life. Nelson was such a special person.  I and my co-workers have so many special memories of him from wearing flashing glasses,shooting rubber bands at us,putting dumb stickers on our backs to wearing silly seasonal hats. one of my favorite memories is him walking me to the back to count down my drawer and telling the back of the house"I WAS DEAD MAN WALKING" He was and always be the best Boss I've ever had. I look foward to the day when I meet him again. May your family find comfort in your faith and know that you and yours are not the only ones who miss and love him.

Nelson was a great manager at Cracker Barrel and will be remembered for all time by anyone who got the pleasure of working for him.
He always knew how to brighten my day by just a few one-liners! 
Nelson is in a better place now and one day we shall all be with him again.

Patty & Family,

We were so sorry to hear of Nelson's passing.  We enjoyed him very much whenever we visited the Landmark.  Our mother thought he was very special and his death occured on her birthday.  I guess they will be spending time together in another place.  Thoughts and prayers are with you.

The Gerard Family, Millersburg, Iowa

Patty and family,
We are so sorry for your loss and wish we would have known Nelson better.  He worked such long hours that we barely saw him, even though we are your neighbors.  I hope you will let us know if there is anything we can help you with.  We will keep your family in our prayers.

My yhoughts and prayers go out to you and your family I worked with Jen At BBB I sorta adopted her as my daughter she is a caring person who showed her support when I lost my husband of 25 yrs in Jan 09 God Bless and protect you and your family now and always

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Nelson was a fun manager at the Landmark and you were absolutely the best neighbors! God Bless.

We are so heart broken for all of you during this difficult time! We are praying for your family. I know grief is such a tough journey to walk through. May Gods peace and strength be yours!

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Nelson was a great guy, and I always enjoyed talking to him and seeing him in the morning at Cracker Barrel.

To the family:
nelson will surely be missed i know he was always a light in my life he always had a kind word and would lend an ear when needed even though he was a jokester it was always in good fun.

Patty & family-
Nelson & I shared many  fun times together and our families have as well. Fifteen years of hunting, fishing,  working, playing. . . hard. Phrases would bring smiles to us. "John Wayne the Squirrel, Blue Falcon, the Golden BB, a triple with 2 shots,  Orange Explorer, 16 wheeler pileups ( I had one this spring), toasting George Bush at Table,  Secret coacher Stash, rebuilding the Landmark, Squirrel tails on an antenna, the SS Minnow, smoking Frogs. But most of all, great memories of being together and enjoying  life. Great memories, Great Guy!   I have missed him greatly since he moved  away and Now miss him more.
 Terry & Dianne Foley Family

Dear Patty and Family,

Uncle Jack and I will pray for you and your family to have the strength and courage to see each of you through this sad time.  I have read the messages in the online guest book -- it doesn't look like Nelson will ever die -- so many people have loved him.  I remember him as a swimmer--he has won the meet!

God Bless you all,

So sorry for your loss....
I worked for Nelson several years ago at the Cracker Barrel, and I must admit he was a blast to work for! He was always fun, uplifting, encouraging and motivating. Not only was he a great boss, but he was a great man. He will be missed.

Nelson was a man that always wanted you to better yourself. I worked 2 yrs for him and loved every minute of. When I decided to pursue a management job, he helped by critiquing my resume, and by doing fake interviews to get me ready. I got the job and Nelson had that huge smile when I told him. He told me how to get around in the town I was tot rain in, just great man. On my last night working for him, he came to shake my hand, I broke out in tears and gave him a huge hug and told him I was going to miss working for him. I have never had a boss who evoked that kind of emotion from me. I loved you Nelson and will miss you greatly my friend

he was a cool boss and we chit chated about politics all day

Thompson Family-I worked with Nelson at the Landmark in the 1980's.  He definately loved his work and was a great person to work for.  One memory was him playing Wipeout on the counter with his hands and giving Rita a hard time.  His laughter was contagious.  He will deeply missed by all.  You have my deepest sympathy.  May the Lord (and Nelson) watch over you at this difficult time.  
God's Blessings

Nelson's family
 I personnally don't remember you, but I worked with Nelson at the Landmark MANY years ago.  Just so saddened to hear the news.  He will be greatly missed by not only your family but friends that new him well.  The fondest memory of Nelson was playing WIPEOUT but the Beach Boys on the counter with his hands and giving Rita such a hard time.  His laugh was contagious.  So many memories. You have my sympathy.

Patty and family

What a shock to hear of Nelsons passing.  He was a true friend that would do anything to help.  I have many great memories of eating with him at the Landmark, working with him when he was a Reserve Officer—who refused to be paid because it was his way of giving back to the town--- and ‘camping” with him and our gang in Missouri .  He also hosted the best card parties, and made sure we didn’t leave hungry.  I am sure he will watch over us from above until we are together again

Patty,

I am so sorry to hear about Nelson.  I remember all of the fun that Linda and Nelson used to have at the Landmark Restaurant.  Remeber the good times!  Nelson will be missed by all of us.  My thoughts and Prayers are with your entire family.

As customers at Cracker Barrel from the time it opened we came into contact with Nelson quite often and he loved to chat and tell jokes and tease us. He certainly knew how to make people feel comfortable and want to come back again. He will be missed by us and we will never go in again without thinking about him and missing him; he was "Mr. Cracker Barrel"

Patty, you probably don't remember me, but I'm Dexter and Linda MacBride's nephew.  I had only a handful of interactions with Nelson, but I'll never forget him.  He was doing flips and cannonballs at a pool party we had one time and along with Dexter were acting like a couple of kids, which to me at the time, being a kid, was a blast, and a great quality.  I wish you and your family the best.

Patty You have my deepest sympathies at the passing of Nelson.I have very fond memories of him as a boss and as friend. When we heard about Nelson at the Landmark we started telling Nelson stories.  Bill Wyman Williamsburg, Iowa

Thompson Family, I was shocked to learn of Nelson's passing. My daughter worked with him. He was an amazing man who always made time to visit with me when I came in even when my daughter moved away. He was always full of care and concern for others. What a wonderful man. He made quite a positive impact on those who were fortunate enough to cross paths with him. May the lord bless you with peace in your heart.

To Nelson's Family:  Because we are regulars at Cracker Barrel, we came to know Nelson and on many occasions he would drop by our table and check on us or our service.  Our last memory of him will be this Thursday when he was in the gift shop and he put on one of the turkey heads that had been put out for sale that played music.  We will miss our friend!
Les and Judy Howard

I am sooo sorry for you loss. Nelson was a great man and one of the greatest I've known. My life could never be the same. Mom always talked highly of him. i love you Nelson and the rest of the family as well.

Dear Patty and Family
I am sorry to have learned of Nelson's passing. He was a trusted friend and a  great mentor and I loved him dearly. He always had the best advice  in life as well as work.  He made me see the road ahead and avoid the speed bumps. He treated everyone he came in contact with with dignity and respect and added value to their lives. My kids loved him as well and we are all better people to have known him. I will never be able to hear a Frank Sinatra song or see someone wear a Fedora that I will not think of him. He was truly one of the best individuals I wil ever have the pleasure of knowing. He will be missed.
Love to all

R.I.P. Nelson CB will not be the same without you. :( We'll meet again someday!

We are sorry for your loss.  " My thoughts and prayers are with you all.  Cracker Barrel will never be the same.  I always looked forward to seeing him there. Nelson had the kindest Heart.  "He never knew a stranger and he always had a smile to share. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.

September 27, 2010

Patti and family:

I am deeply sorry to hear of Nelson's passing. He was a good friend and human being. I always enjoyed the hours we spent working together at the police department and the card parties at your house. I have been blessed to have known him. He was always honest and always shot straight from the hip. There was no beating around the bush with Nelson. I will miss him deeply.

Bob Knoop,   Williamsburg, IA

We are sorry for your loss. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you. Take comfort in the fond memories of Nelson. Know that he is in a peaceful place of rest and looks down on you as a guardian angel. May your family and friends embrace and support you during this difficult time. God bless you.

Steve, Beth (Sister of David Klein), Bryce, and Lainey Johnson

Dear Patty and kids,
I feel I learned from having Nelson as a boss.  I always called him Papa Bear because he was in charge of all of us:) He had advice that I'll never forget.."Do they add to your life or do they take away from it?  That's what you base your decisions on."  Nelson added to my life and to the lives of many at Cracker Barrel.    I started a facebook post celebrating Nelson's sense of humor and his time with people from Cracker Barrel.  I will get you a copy of that soon, for you to read stories of his life at work that may help you laugh during the rough times ahead.  I am praying for the Thompson family.  I'm so sorry for your loss.
In HIS love,
Tammy Miller
(Patty--by the way, I'm the one with the short inseam, (Nelson said you said I had quite a short inseam) that you hemmed my pants, thank you.  It was the kind of things he did for me like that that made me love him:)

So sorry to hear about Nelson,  you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers  Mickey(Miller)Beckman 
Uncle Jack's daughter.

He never met a stranger and he always had a story to share.  He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

To Nelson's family and his co-workers. Nelson will be missed  deeply by us as we visit in the future. Cracker Barrel will never be the same. He was a dear friend and my wife and I loved him so very much. I always looked forward to seeing him there, and the way he always made time for us when we arrived. We wish to express our condolences, and we thank you for sharing him with us. I pray that God will comfort you in your time of loss and mourning, and provide solace in the knowledge that we will one day see him again. 
Sincerely, Elmer and Regina Hatcher.

Dear Patty and family,

Words cannot express my sympathy at this time.  I have so many wonderful memories of Nelson and I causing (innocent) trouble together at various meetings and functions.  We were two peas in a pod most of the time.  More than that, Nelson was a sounding board when I needed it and a great adviser.  His laugh was infectious and his spirit indomitable.  I have no doubt he will have heaven organized and running much more smoothly in no time.  God bless each of you.

it was such sorrow in cracker barrel #219 council bluffs iowa when we all learned our favorite manager nelson was headed to heaven. thoughts and prayers to the family of such a great guy. i was hired by and worked for the best manager i ever knew. i still miss his hellos and handshake as i entered cracker barrel every day to work. deeply missed and sorry for your loss of such a good father and husband.
Mr.Dana bojanski-council bluffs iowa cracker barrel#219.

Patty, My husband and I both worked with Nelson in the Omaha Cracker Barrel before he became a GM for Park City. He was a great inspiration to all of us and both of us had nothing but the greatest respect for Nelson. We are both still in shock over his passing. Our deepest sympathies go to you and your family. Chris and Jodie Clifford

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Nelson was a true gentlemen!!  He will be missed by all those who enjoyed him at Cracker Barrel.  I will miss my in depth discussions with him, and the way he always cheered me up.

Patty and family: We are so sorry to hear of Nelson's passing. We are still in shock at such a young age. Even though we had our differences we always had respect for how Nelson carried himself, and his love for his family. You are in our prayers during this difficult time in your lives.
Marc & Beth Weinbrenner

Patty and family,
I am so sorry for your loss, Nelson was one of a kind and I will never forget him and all his humor and pranks he played on us at Cracker Barrel in Council Bluffs, Ia 
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Michele Starnes Council Bluffs Ia

I will miss Nelson so much, as we ate at Cracker Barrel everyday at noon and not be able to see his smile.  He was always going to find me a boyfriend.  I'm an old lady that likes to have a good time and I'm the one that gave him the hair brush for bald headed people.  My thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family.  He sure will be missed by many.  Rogene

Patty,
So sorry for your loss. There are a few us left at Seven Villages that knew Nelson and we send our deepest sympathy. I enjoyed working for Nelson and I know how much his family meant to him. My thoughts and prayers are with your and the family.

Donna Peterson

was so sorry to hear of Nelsons passing i use to work for him at cracker barrel will miss him dearly..... was very blessed to have known him and work for him

Patti & family: Your husband and dad will be missed by us greatly. I always enjoyed the ride time that Nels spent with me on duty. All the old gang has been notified and we are all saddened by his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Just received an email from Uncle George and Aunt Karen, I'm so sorry for your loss.  Prayers and peace to all  of you.
Ann Marie Barndt (Miller- Uncle Jack)

Our deepest sympathies to you and your family at your time of loss. You are in out thoughts and prayers. Sonshine World staff-Kearney, Ne

I will miss his stories and off-the-wall sense of humor.  May you find comfort and laughter to sustain you.

Patty, our deepest sympathies go out to you.  Could not believe it when Duane came home from coffee with the news.  Our prayers are with you at this time.  Please find comfort in your faith.  Duane and Jane Stohlmann  Williamsburg, IA

Dear Patty and family, what a great sorrow and loss you must be feeling. We too are morning Nelson's passing while smiling at the cherished memories of cousins growing up together on Grandma and Grandpa Coartney's farm. We treasure the times we shared and are especially grateful that we could all be together at Grandma’s Celebration of Life. I can only imagine the celebration in Heaven today as Nelson joins the ones who have gone before him. Please know that you are loved and in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 

With all my Love,
Cousin - Rue Ann Freeland

Patty, my sincere sympathies to you and all of your children in the passing of Nelson. May he rest in peace, and may God abundantly comfort and bless your family as you mourn the loss of your husband and their father. The Adams family, Omaha, NE

OBITUARY

Nelson L. Thompson

April 15, 1956 – September 25, 2010

Resthaven Mortuary & Gardens of Memory

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Updates

Services