Clara Margaret Thompson

Clara M. Thompson, age 100 of Grafton, ND passed away on Friday, January 3, 2014 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. Clara Margaret Nelson was born April 18, 1913 in Strandquist, MN, the daughter of the late Carl and Martha (Lund) Nelson. She attended a consolidated school in the Strandquist area and graduated valedictorian of her high school class. Clara was united in marriage to Melvin Thompson on December 21, 1932 in Warren, MN. The couple made their home in Grafton where they raised their family of two daughters, Melanie and Janice (Jan). Clara worked as a supervisor at the Grafton Developmental Center where she directed the operations of North B and the Annex units. Her husband Melvin passed away on March 31, 1988, and Clara remained in her home until she was hospitalized on November 8 of 2013. On December 16, 2013 she moved into the Lutheran Sunset Home, where she passed away. Clara attended the Assembly of God Church in Grafton, and also was a member of Our Saviour's Lutheran Church where she was part of the Women's Circle. Throughout her life Clara attended community Bible study groups, studied the scriptures and was an active encourager of others in their Christian walk of faith even into her 100th year. In addition, she was a member of the North Dakota Retired Employee's Association. Clara is survived by her daughters: Melanie (Jerry) Haug, Chicagoland area, and Janice Thompson, Edina, MN, two grandchildren: Tanya (David) Prince, Valrico, FL, and Bridget (Marcus) Duncan, Jasper, IN; and four great grandchildren: Jacob, Carter, Molly and Brady. Several nieces and a great nephew also survive her. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and eight siblings: Albert, William (Bill), Herman, George, Bertha, Ida, Alice andVerna. Interestingly, Clara's two sisters, Ida and Verna, also married brothers in the Thompson family. Funeral services will be Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. at the Grafton Assembly of God Church. Visitation will be Wednesday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the Grafton Lutheran Cemetery in the spring.