Keith Patrick Thompson

Keith Patrick Thompson was born January 11, 1964 in Omaha, Nebraska to Gene and Mildred (Davis) Thompson. Keith grew up in Omaha and graduated from Bryan High School in 1982. He went on to earn his Associate’s degree from Metro University. While in school, Keith enjoyed running, working out, and driving Mustangs and Camaros. Keith served in the United States Army from March 8, 1983 until his honorable discharge on March 7, 1986 with the rank of Corporal. Keith married Ann Hettle at St. Leo the Great Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska in 1994, and to this union, three sons were born; Ryan, Quinn and Reid. Keith worked as an Omaha Policeman beginning in 1991. His life was changed in August 1996 when he was severely injured while on patrol, but he was able to continue to work with the Police Department until retiring in April 2021 after 30 years on the force. During his time with the department, he was awarded a Purple Heart, and earned the Top Cop Award and countless others. Keith was a motivated and hard-working man, with amazing perseverance, and a great sense of humor. He was a hero to his sons, and an inspiration to countless people. Keith used that perseverance in his quest to walk using his exoskeleton, and he and his family took tremendous pride in that accomplishment. In order to reach that point to take those steps, Keith developed a love of working out and throwing the medicine ball. Keith was a fan of rock and country music, his favorite color was purple, and he enjoyed a good goulash for dinner. His biggest pet peeve was people not using their blinker, which would elicit the phrase, “nice blinker, goof”, when he saw it. Keith will be remembered for his sense of humor, his hard work, his determination, and his love for the people around him. Please remember him as the hero he is. Keith died unexpectedly at his home near Bennington, Nebraska at the age of 58 years, 7 months, and 20 days. He was preceded in death by his father Gene Thompson, mother Mildred Salzman, and brother Gene Thompson, Jr. Keith is survived by his sons Ryan (Erika), and their children Finnley and Murphy all of Kennard, NE, Quinn of Valley and Reid (Paige Palermo) of Valley, the mother of his children Ann Hettle of Omaha, brothers and sisters: Danny (Kathy) Thompson, Pam Czech, Debbie Hofmann, Karen (Lynn) Miner, John (Lisa) Thompson, Patty (Tim) Masi, Bryan Thompson, D.J. (Melissa) Salzman, and Dawn (Eric) Meyer, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass Wednesday, 10:30 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Elkhorn. Interment with Police and military honors to follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery of Elkhorn. Visitation Tuesday from 4-7 PM with a Vigil service at 7 PM all at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Police Memorial, Nebraska Loss, or St. Patrick’s Church.

Keith Patrick Thompson

January 11, 1964 - August 31, 2022