"Proud & Grateful": Honoring Joe Thompson
2024 marks an incredible 75 years since the founding of our agency. As part of our celebration of this community's past, present, and future, we'll be sharing highlights from our unique history each month.
As we reflect on MSS's rich history, one figure stands out for his longstanding dedication to our employment program and the community surrounding it: Joe Thompson. Spanning an incredible 57 years, Joe’s journey with our organization began in 1964—before "Midwest Special Services" was even in our vocabulary!
Joe’s time at MSS was marked by his involvement in a diverse range of jobs, from our in-house workshops to our community partnerships. Joe dedicated over three decades to working in the 3M automotive area of our St. Paul shop (which would later become the Community Hub). His job was to assemble automotive strip boxes, which he could do faster than anyone. He also maintained the jet printer to ensure data was printing correctly. Joe was always early to work and did not like to miss a day, speaking to his commitment to both his job and the friends he worked alongside.
When MSS stopped its in-house employment operations, Joe transitioned to Day Support Services, where he found time to pursue the activities he cherished most: meeting old and new friends, enjoying ice cream, playing gin rummy, and occupying his deep fascination for anything related to tractors. As an outdoor enthusiast, Joe also had a special fondness for animals and farms, embodying a genuine love for nature. His kindness extended to the larger community as well, where he would often volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
In 2016, Joe decided to retire from MSS. It wasn’t long, however, before he realized how much he missed the camaraderie and social engagement MSS provided. After just eight months, Joe returned to MSS for a couple of days each week, gradually increasing his attendance to reconnect with the community he held so dear.
"It makes me feel very proud and grateful that I was able to work that many years," Joe shared in an interview in 2019, at the age of 80. "I don't know of any place I'd rather be than right here."
Joe Thompson’s legacy at MSS is a testament to his resilient spirit and the strong bonds he formed over those 57 years. His passion for life, his work ethic, and the joy he brought to those around him has no doubt helped to shape our organization into the flourishing community it is today.
We will be holding our 75th anniversary celebration on Thursday, July 25th at Mendakota Country Club. Mark your calendars!