Conrad Olav Thompson

Conrad O. Thompson of Rochester passed away peacefully at Cottage Wood Senior Communities on May 21st, 2026. Conrad was born on June 7, 1939, to Olav and Venita Thompson. He graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1956. On August 26th, 1961, he married his beloved wife Joyce Thompson at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, Minnesota.

Conrad studied at Hamline University and continued his education at the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy, where he graduated in 1962.

He was offered a position as Research Pharmacist for the new Rochester Methodist Hospital in 1966. He accepted the offer and remained there for the next 30 years. His career involved pharmacy practice, research and development activities.

During his time in hospital pharmacy, Conrad worked closely with Dermatologists and started learning more about the needs of their patients. On December 4th, 1974, Conrad and his colleague, Ed Mansfield, founded Pharmaceutical Specialties Inc. (PSI), maker of the popular Vanicream Skin Care products.

When Conrad wasn't working, he enjoyed playing the organ, spending time with family and friends, and traveling with Joyce to the North Shore in their motor home. Conrad and Joyce were happily married for 58 years, until her death in December 2019.

Both Conrad, and the products he helped develop, touched many lives in a positive way.

Conrad is survived by sister-in-law Shirley Hrstka (Chatfield), sister-in-law Jan Leary (Rochester), brother-in-law Dale Ahern (Spring Valley), as well as several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday June 2, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home (5421 Royal Pl. NW), with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Rochester. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Thompson family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com