Jean E. Thompson

Jean Evangeline Thompson died Saturday, September 6, 2008 at the age of 83, a resident of the Tri-County Nursing Home in Hatton, where she has received five years of outstanding love and care.

She was born October 20, 1924 in Sharon, North Dakota, the daughter of Hans and Mina Hanson. She married Tilford Thompson on April 11, 1942. In their early married years, Mom and Dad began their life of service to the public, at the Lake Tobiason Store and later owned and operated Thompson's Fairway, The Auction Mart, and The Country Square Inn. They dedicated over 40 years to their faithful customers in Hatton and surrounding areas and loved every day of it. In the midst of working 12 hour days through the age of 72, Mom filled her life with the love of many kinds of handiwork, of which she was a master. This included the 78 handmade quilts that she lavished on her family and friends.

It was not unusual to see her sharing the bounty of her garden with others. Her home cooked meals, pies, fresh bread, exceptional soups, and delicious lefse were just a few of the many tantalizing treats she prepared regularly with love for family and customers alike. Other legacies she left were her honesty, reliability, hard work, her "no-frills" lifestyle, and putting others before herself. Simplicity was her trademark. Momma had a zest for life and took occasion to laugh and crack jokes regularly; she was a feisty woman, even up to the end of her life.

She is survived by her daughters, Gloria Gimble of St. Paul, MN, Laurie (Neil) Robinson of Grand Forks, ND, and Judy (Paul) Korsmo of Northwood, ND, and daughter-in-law: Theresa (Brian) Thompson-Dafforn. Her grandchildren include: Amber Gimble, Joy (David) Zesiger, Todd (Jen) Gimble, Aaron Robinson, Heather (Justin) Johnson, Carson (Michelle) Robinson, Melanie (Jonathan) Simmons, John (Bethany) Korsmo, Kendra, Kayla, and Brianna Thompson, David, Eric and Jake Dafforn; three great grandchildren, sisters, Leona (Harold) Wenaas of Great Falls, MT, Sonja (Jim) Livingston, of Buffalo, WI, brother, Harvey (Dorla) Hanson of Sharon, North Dakota, and sister-in-law, Marian Hanson of Fargo, ND.
Her husband, Tilford, sons, Dale and Scott, and brothers, Chester and Hilbert, preceded her in death.

Funeral Services will be 2:00 pm, Tuesday, September 9, 2008 at the Tri-County Health Center Chapel in Hatton with burial in St. John Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Monday at the Tri-County Nursing Home Chapel from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm with a 7:00 pm Prayer Service and one hour prior to services.

The Bilden Funeral Home of Hatton is assisting the family with arrangements.