Beryl Jean (Schwarz) Thompson, "B.J.", went to join her late husband, Neil, on May 28, 2009. Beryl was residing and being cared for in Duluth, MN, by her daughter, Callie, at the time of her death but was a longtime resident of Devils Lake, ND. Her death wasn't anticipated but was not unexpected.

Beryl Jean Schwarz was born on February 18, 1927, in Davenport, ND, to Hubert and Eleanor (Roberts) Schwarz. She graduated from Oakes High School in 1944, spent two years at the University of Minnesota and graduated from North Dakota State University in 1948 with a BS degree. She married the late Neil H. Thompson on September 3, 1948, in Fargo, ND. Neil and Beryl resided in Hazelton, ND before they moved to Grand Forks, ND, where Neil attended law school. They moved to Minot, ND, after Neil's graduating from law school for his first job and then to Devils Lake. Beryl moved to Duluth in April, 2008 to reside with Callie Beth.

Beryl was a homemaker in Devils Lake as well as working at Lake Theatres and the Devils Lake Daily Journal from 1970-1980. She was a co-owner of Champeau Travel from 1980 to 1983. During her years in Devils Lake, Beryl was very active in community projects while raising her family. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir, Kappa Delta Sorority, Beta Sigma Phi, Republican Women, Eastern Star, Elkettes, the Fall Fair Board and a 4-H Leader.

Beryl was well-known in the Lake Region for her cooking ability. She was accomplished in cooking wild game which was supplied to her by her late husband and children. Even though, she did not like the taste of wild game, she excelled at cooking it and passed that skill onto her children who continue to voluntarily cook for game feeds in the Lake Region so her memory will live on. Beryl cooked for dignitaries who visited her home including state and federal senators, representatives, judges and political leaders all of whom, while they protested not to like wild game, would eat it with obvious enjoyment. Beryl was active in the Lake Region Skating Club, painting backdrops with son David and sewing numerous costumes for daughter Callie Beth. While residing in Duluth, Beryl enjoyed following her grandchildrens' (Aanders and Sophie) curling season and was present to see them both win the Junior National championships this year in Devils Lake. Beryl was definitively David's guidance into the world of drawing which then led to his career in art as she was inspiration and encouragement in one bundle.

Beryl is survived by her children, Bradley and wife, Sharon, of Devils Lake; David and special friend, Amy Sudarsky, of Boston, MA; Scott R. and wife, Peggy, of Devils Lake; Callie Beth and husband, Kent Brorson, of Duluth; grandchildren, (Brad's) John Busey-Hunt and Kristian Thompson; (David's) Marie Elaine Thompson of Germany; (Scott's) Scott J. "Jake" and wife, Sara Thompson, and Ryan J. Thompson, all of Devils Lake; (Callie's) Aanders Brorson and Sophie Brorson of Duluth; great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Isaac and unborn great-grandchild of Jake and Sara; sister, Phyllis and husband, Bob McKnight, of Florence, OR.

Beryl was preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Eleanor (Roberts) Schwarz; her husband, Neil, on February 22, 2008; and her daughter-in-law, Julie M. Thompson.

Memorial services will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Devils Lake on June 20, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Kevin Kaufmann will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Music will be provided by Tom Wade, soloist and Deanna Hanson, organist.

Family requests that memorials may be directed to the Community Prayer Garden or the Organ Fund at the Presbyterian Church of Devils Lake.

Friends may sign the online register book and share memories of Beryl at (www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com).