DeNae Thompson

Minot

DeNae Annette (Christianson) Thompson passed away peacefully in her sleep on November 23rd, 2023, in her home in Minot, ND, at the age of 82.

DeNae was born in Kenmare, ND, on January 18th, 1941, to Roy and Edith (Johnson) Christianson. DeNae was one of eight siblings and grew up on the family farm in Kenaston, N.D. She attended Kenaston County School and later Kenmare High School, where she graduated in 1959.

DeNae attended Minot State University, pursuing coursework in secretarial studies. After college, she and her best friend Sonja moved to St Paul, MN, where they worked for the Red Cross. Later, they transferred to a Red Cross office in Colorado Springs, CO. There, she met her husband, Ronald Thompson, who had also been born and raised in North Dakota. They fell in love and were married on October 3rd, 1964. Ron and DeNae returned to North Dakota in 1968. They settled in Minot, where they would raise their four children.

After moving to Minot, DeNae dedicated her time to raising her children and caring for her family home. She offered childcare services to the neighborhood families and helped with school activities and Girl Scouts. She was best known for her expert sewing skills. She could make or fix any clothing. She made beautiful wedding and prom dresses, doll clothes, quilts, and draperies, to name a few. She enjoyed participating in her local bowling league and getting together with her friends for lunch. Ron and DeNae enjoyed dining and dancing at the Eagles Club on Friday nights.

Tragedy struck the family in 1998 when her youngest son, Trevor, died in a boating accident. The family was forever changed by his death, but they leaned on each other for support and comfort during this dark time.

DeNae rarely sat still. If she weren’t sewing, she would be reading, baking, gardening, or working on the daily crossword. She loved spending time at the family cabin on Lake Metigoshe, and in their retirement, she and Ron built their dream home on the lake.

DeNae and Ron always hosted the Thompson family gatherings. DeNae would spend the day cooking an extravagant feast, and after dinner, she would break out cards for a game of “May I?” DeNae still holds the family record for the best game of “May I?” with a perfect 0.

Ron and DeNae returned to Minot in 2014, where she resided until her death.

Survived by her husband, Ron Thompson; Children: Dana (Rick) Grumman, Jody Thompson, Scott (Angie) Thompson; Grandchildren: Courtney & Cassidy Grumman, Maddie (Alex), Tyler, McKenna, & Rylan Thompson; Siblings: Marilyn Rostad, Kathy (Joe) Bower, Gary Christianson along with many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and cousins.

Preceded in death by her son, Trevor Thompson; Parents: Roy and Edith Christianson; Siblings: Gordon & Lyle Christianson, Lavern Miller, and Valoraye Frantsvog; Brother-in-law: Evron Rostad; Sister-in-law: Erica Thompson.

Memorial Service:Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 10:30 .m. at Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.

Interment: Lakeview Cemetery, Kenmare, ND.

Visitation: Wednesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Family: Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home, Minot.

Those wishing to sign the online register and share memories may access the online obituaries section at (www.thompsonlarson.com).

Published by The Minot Daily News, November 27, 2023.