Carol Kae Thompson

Carol Kae Thompson, a cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, with her beloved husband Joe by her side. Born in Hastings, Nebraska, on December 20, 1947, Carol was the daughter of Elmer L. and Agnes M. (Genschmer) Smidt.

Her life was a testament to love, laughter, and creativity, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her. Carol's early years in Hastings were filled with family and community, shaping her compassionate spirit and dedication to others. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1966 and went on to earn a degree in art education from Kearney State College in 1970. During her college years, she was an active member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and participated in various extracurricular clubs, laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to service and friendship.

In 1971, Carol married the love of her life, Denly Joseph (Joe) Thompson, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The couple met while working at Hastings Junior High, where Carol taught art and Joe taught earth science. Their first date was at the Barrel Bar in Hastings, and they quickly became inseparable. Together, they built a beautiful life, filled with shared passions such as golfing, bowling, fishing, gardening, and a love for animals. Carol was known to adopt all kinds of creatures, whether or not her parents or husband agreed.

Carol's career as an art teacher at Hastings Junior High and Trumbull public schools spanned several decades, during which she inspired countless students. Her ability to make art accessible to everyone, especially those who doubted their artistic abilities, was one of her greatest gifts. She was a beloved teacher who used her creativity to touch the lives of her students in profound ways.

She loved to play Keno- pick the number 66. She loved to travel to Las Vegas, and you can hear her cheering loud in a quiet bingo hall. She loved the horse races, especially at Fonner Park. She would always bet on the gray horses because she loved them the most. If you want to know if you should have one more beer, the answer is “Why Not?” If you want to know if you should go to the party, the answer is “Why Sure!”. Anything (and we mean anything) can be improved with a laugh and a snort. If you were not having fun around Carol, that was more than likely a you problem.

A devoted member of the Elks and Does, Carol was passionate about giving back to her community. She took great joy in buying and wrapping Christmas gifts for children through the Elks Christmas program. She was a member of First St. Paul Lutheran Church in Hastings, Ne. Carol's greatest joy came from her family, she was the best and loudest cheerleader for her children and grandchildren, supporting them in all their endeavors with love and enthusiasm.

She is survived by her husband, Joe, daughter Candace Walton (Ryan), daughter Katrina Brady (Jeremy), and son D.J. Thompson (Kendra), her seven grandchildren, Alexis Walton, Elizabeth Walton, Clara Carlson, Camille Carlson, Breonna Gill, Denly Jerrick Thompson, and Brenleigh Thompson, brother Gary L. Smidt, Elaine Smidt (wife of Gary) and Georgene Smidt (wife of the late Dale Smidt), and her extended family and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, infant daughter Jodi Kae, niece Lori Webster, nephew Alex Smidt, and brother Dale Smidt.

A celebration of Carol's life will be held on September 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Elks Country Club, 3050 E South St, Hastings, NE 68901.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Hastings Perkins Pavilion, the Family Medical Clinic in Hastings, and all of Carol's family and friends who offered their support during her final months. A special thank you to Hospice care in her final weeks on this earth. Your kindness and care have been a source of comfort to Joe and the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests living plants (that we will try to keep alive) and monetary donations can be made to the family and will be designated to scholarships and organizations of importance to Carol. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched, as we remember her infectious laughter, generous heart, and the love she shared so freely.