Esther Thompson

Esther Elvera Thompson was born on September 6, 1916 near Glenwood, Minnesota to James W Reed and Veronica (Schubert) Reed. She grew up on a farm near Glenwood and attended country school; graduating from the 8th grade. On July 5, 1939 Esther was united in marriage to Arthur S Thompson. The couple made their home in Texas during the war, then in Starbuck, MN, finally moving their family to Alexandria in 1949. In 1958, when the Knute Nelson Memorial Home was preparing to open, Esther volunteered her time to help clean and prepare the home for new residents. After the home opened Esther continued on as housekeeper. She also worked in the kitchen. Esther took nursing courses and became a nurse?s assistant working at the Knute Nelson home for over 40 years. Esther was nominated by co-workers at Knute Nelson and received an Outstanding Senior Citizen Award for her accomplishments. Esther was a longtime member of First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. She was a former member of the Eagles Club, the VFW and the Rebecca?s. Esther enjoyed living by Lake Darling. She enjoyed fishing, swimming, and spending time with family and friends at the lake. She liked to travel with friend Gen Berger, touring Europe, Hawaii, Alaska, and made many short trips throughout the United States. Esther had a large collection of dolls, she like to read, work word puzzles, and play with her dog, Betsy. On Thursday, November 19, 2009, Esther passed away at the age of ninety-three years. She is survived by her children, Arthur Thompson and wife, Barbara, of Alexandria and Patricia Walz and husband, Dale of Sauk Rapids, MN; grandchildren, Douglas Thompson and wife, Jessica, Randall Thompson, Stacy Tischer and husband, Shawn, Veronica Hoppe and husband Patrick, Anita Ward and six great-grandchildren; one brother, Herbert Reed of Brooten, MN; and two sisters, Fern Rausch of Glenwood and Eldoris Bye of Hoffman, MN. She is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur on September 6, 1965, her parents, her brothers, Harold Reed and Howard Reed; sisters, Hazel Midtun; Ruby Pehan; and Mabel Carlson and two sisters who passed in infancy. A funeral service was held Monday, November 23, 20009 at the First Lutheran Church in Alexandria. Reverend Greg Billberg officiated. Music was provided by Margaret Kalina and Dan Olson. Interment followed in the Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria. Casket bearers included Dennis Bye, Ronald Reed, Jeffrey Reed, Lloyd Pehan; Gary Reed; Kenneth Carlson and Larry Rausch. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home.