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Hiawatha Police Chief John Defore announced Wednesday morning the passing of a long-time Hiawatha police officer, Michael Thompson.

“It is with a heavy heart and great sorrow that I sit here this morning, drafting this press release,” Defore said in his press release. “The Hiawatha Police Department has lost a vigilant and loyal son. Officer Michael Thompson passed away this morning at Stormont Vail Hospital in Topeka.”
“Officer Thompson has been a fixture at the Police department since 1978. Words don’t seem to convey the true gratitude that we feel in knowing Officer Thompson. He will certainly be missed among his police and city family. On behalf of the entire City Commission and all city employees, our sincerest sympathies go out to Officer Thompson’s family.”

Michael was born March 5, 1958, in Highland, one of three children of Edgar W. and Dorothy Smith Thompson.

Mike served with the Headquarters, 2nd BN, 130th FA, Kansas National Guard in Hiawatha for over 20 years. Mike served as a police officer for the Hiawatha Police Department since 1978.

Survivors include mother Dorothy Smith Thompson Aeschliman, his wife Rosa Weisel, both of Hiawatha; a sister Kathy (Don) Lehmann of Olathe, a brother Dennis R. Thompson, also of Hiawatha; a daughter Berenice Weisel of Lawrence, a son Juan Weisel of Hiawatha; two nephews: Craig Lehman of Gardner, KS, Christopher L. Lehmann of Olathe; two great-nephews Paxton Roy Lehmann and Archer Chase Lehmann, both of Gardner.

Mike was preceded in death by his father Edgar.

A Celebration of Mike’s life is planned for 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 11, at the Fisher Community Center in Hiawatha. Reverend Randy Quinn will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Olive Cemetery, Troy, KS. Military honors a courtesy of Brown County Veterans Honor Guard.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha after 12 noon until 5 p.m. Saturday; and after 10 a.m. Sunday. The family will meet with friends from 3 until 5 Sunday afternoon at the funeral home.

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Phone: 785-742-7125