George Donald Thompson, 82, of Leeds, ND, passed away Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at the Good Samaritan Society in Lakota, ND after a long struggle with Parkinson's disease. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, May 9, 2018 at the Leeds Lutheran Church with Pastor Michael Pretzer officiating.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will take place at the Leeds Lutheran Cemetery in Leeds, ND. Music will be provided by Dan and MiChelle Nybo and Tony Gist.  Military Honors will be provided by the Leeds American Legion Post #101, Robert Tovsrud VFW Post #757 of Harlow and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team.

George was born on July 4, 1935 to Theodore and Hannah (Sandven) Thompson. He was raised on the family farm in Beaver Township, ND with his family of three brothers and two sisters.  George graduated from the Leeds High School in 1953.  After graduation, he worked in San Rafael, California as a tree pruner.  In 1954, George enrolled in the U.S. Army and served overseas in Korea.  After his military service, he returned to the Leeds area and worked for his uncle, Alvin Thompson, on Alvin's farm in Beaver Township.  He drove a school bus for the Leeds Public School for a number of years, starting in 1958.

George attended Interstate Business College in Fargo, ND and also Mayville State College on the GI bill for a time. He was also an alumnus of Heartview in Mandan, ND.

On June 6, 1959, he married the love of his life, Inger Bjerke at the Leeds Lutheran Church. From 1959 to 1962 they lived in York, ND and George worked at the Farmer's Union Oil Company.  He was the mayor of York in 1961.  In 1962, after the death of his father, Theodore ("Teddy") Thompson, George and Inger moved to the Teddy Thompson farm and George started farming.  He farmed for many years in partnership with Wallace Bisbee of York, until his retirement.

George ("Georgie Porgie") is remembered for his great sense of humor and fun-loving personality. He enjoyed many hunting trips with his life-long friend, Milton Rolle.  George was a good shot with his 303.  He was an avid sports fan.  He enjoyed fishing and attending Leeds High School sporting events, both home and away, as long as he was able.  George was a member of the St. Petri Lutheran Church in rural York, ND until the church closed.  He then became a member of the Leeds Lutheran Church.  George was also a member of  the Leeds American Legion Post #101, Robert Tovsrud VFW Post #757 of Harlow and a 50 year Master Mason of Welcome Lodge #54.

George is survived by his wife of 58 years, Inger; son, Thomas; daughter, Elaine (Michael) Cory; granddaughter, Kayla (Tony) Gist; great-granddaughters, Hannah and Elise Gist; brother, Irving (Janice); sister, Janice Nelson; sister-in-law, Bonnie Thompson.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Hannah (Sandven) Thompson; his wife's parents, Hans and Ingeborg (Sandli) Bjerke; infant brother, Arden; brothers, Arvid and Howard; sister, Delores Sudbrink; brothers-in-law, James Johnson and Carl Sudbrink.