Donald Wallace Thompson, 85, of Minnewaukan, ND passed away Friday, July 26, 2019 at the Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, ND surrounded by family members, assisted by Hospice. Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM Sunday, August 4, 2019 at the Trinity Free Lutheran Church in Minnewaukan with Pastor Luther 'Lu' Mathison officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 PM at the church. Burial will take place at the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery in Minnewaukan.  Music will be provided by Sid Bingaman, Rhonda Thompson-Gilpatrick and Rita Halvorson. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Peter Lutheran Cemetery: 6149 47 ^th Street NE Minnewaukan, ND 58351.

Don was born October 18, 1933 in Normania Township, Benson County, ND to Willie & Irene (Lowe) Thompson. He attended rural school near Brinsmade and Minnewaukan. Don was active in his youth with the Parish Trio and church choir where he met Carol and fell in love. Don married his childhood sweetheart Carol Ann Lundin on April 2, 1953 in Crookston, MN. They were blessed in marriage with 3 children, Carren, Lori & Vern. The family lived on a farm in McClellan Township and in Leeds, before moving to the Thompson Family farm in Riggin Township, Benson County. Carol died December 28, 2012.

Don started farming in his late teens and was an avid sportsman, enjoying both hunting and fishing. He and his dad operated a custom combining business traveling from Kansas to North Dakota for many years. After retirement Don started a fishing & hunting guide service, which was the passion of his life. He was well known as an expert fisherman on Devils Lake specializing in walleye, yellow perch & northern pike. Don was a mentor in teaching others, including his grandchildren on the finer fishing techniques.

Don is survived by his daughters, Carren (Bob) Anderson of rural Minnewaukan, ND, Lori (Dwight) O'Connell of Devils Lake, ND and son Vern (Cindy) Thompson of Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Reed Anderson of Galveston, TX, Eric (Jacqui) Anderson of Billings, MT, Kristi (Adam) Anderson of Long Lake, SD, Corey (Sarah) O'Connell of Minnewaukan, ND, Malorie (Yacouba) Traore of Grand Forks, ND, Sheena (Riley) Weed of Devils Lake, ND, Will and Kathryn Thompson of Fargo, ND; great grandchildren, Brett, Seth & Shelby O'Connell, A'mare Traore, Chloe Weed, Isabella & Noah Anderson and Isaac Anderson; sister in-law, Marlys Hofstrand of Moorhead, MN, and special nephew Craig (Suzi) Hofstrand of DeLand, FL & niece Connie (Steve) Catron of Clovis, CA and Nancy Hofstrand of Lake Park, MN. He also survived by many cousins of Thompson & Lowe descendants.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Carol; brother-in-law Marvin Hofstrand; nephew, Rick Hofstrand.

Don loved visits and phone conversations with friends and family, especially after he entered the nursing home. He will be truly missed by his family, relatives, friends and fishing & hunting companions. The family wants to give special to thanks the caregivers at Valley Eldercare and Altru Hospice of Grand Forks for the wonderful care Don received over the last 2 years.