Thelma Thompson

Thelma Jean, daughter of Harold and Geneva "Wilina" (Benshoff) Christensen, was born July 14, 1931 in Mills, IA. She spent her early years in Glenwood and moved to Tabor when she was five years old. Thelma graduated from Tabor High School in 1948. On April 12, 1950, Thelma was united in marriage with Faris Thompson at her home in Tabor. They made their home in Red Oak where Thelma was a dedicated housewife. She was an accomplished cook and seamstress and enjoyed entertaining family and friends. In 1960 the family moved to Coon Rapids where Thelma supported her husband in his business, Malcolm and Thompson John Deere dealership. Thelma was a member of the First United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She was active in many other organizations including the Order of Eastern Star Signet Chapter of Carroll; she held the offices of Star Points and worked her way up to Worthy Matron. Thelma was a member of P.E.O., Sunday school teacher, Brownie Leader, Bible school teacher, and 4-H Leader. She also volunteered at New Hope, the local elementary school, congregate meals (volunteer and decorator) and read for the blind. Faris died in 2005 and due to her declining health Thelma moved to the Thomas Rest Haven nursing home in Coon Rapids in November of 2014. She died there on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at the age of 84 years, one month and one day of age. Thelma is preceded in death by her parents; husband Faris Thompson; son Dick Thompson in 2002; grandson Matt Crosier; son-in-law Mario Parilla; two brothers Roy Christensen and Merle Christensen; and sister Arlene (Kenny) Hilger. She is survived by her daughters Joyce (Roland) Barkey of Haxtun, CO; Jane (Harry) Siegler of Coon Rapids; and Judy (Stephen) Alessandra of Albuquerque, NM; 5 grandchildren: Nate (Jo) Halverson; Angie (Chris) Jensen; Jon (Janine) Halverson; Lynn Thompson and Lindsay (Travis) Drake; 10 great grandchildren: Jada and Macy Thompson; Benjamin, Annabelle and Elizabeth Drake; Nicholas and Erik Jensen; Gabby Baddgor; Sophia and Faris Halverson; sisters-in-law Icel Humphrey and Verla Christensen; many nieces, nephews, and friends. Memorial donations will be used to support the Fourth Avenue Park (Grandma's Park) and Coon Rapids Fire Dept. Rev. Joyce Webb, Officiating Music "How Great Thou Art" Congregation Lula Garnes, Accompanist "Ave Maria" Recorded: Lindsay Drake, Vocalist Casketbearers Joel Roetman Kerry Shirbroun Jerry Hagan Doug Lloyd Dave Langel Honorary Casketbearers Thelma's Grandchildren