Gloria L Thompson

Gloria Leona (Cloutier) Thompson age 85, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at her Parkwood apartment in Grand Forks, ND with her family at her side.

Gloria was born on January 25, 1935 in Argyle, MN to Alexander and Irene (Bedard) Cloutier.

She grew up and attended school in Thief River Falls, MN at St. Bernard’s Catholic School and Thief River Falls High School where she had the honor of being selected Homecoming Queen and graduated in 1952. Gloria attended UND and earned her degree in Home Economics in 1956. After graduation, she accepted a position to teach Home Economics in Grafton, ND where she met a handsome young farmer named Lynn J (Jim) Thompson and the magic began. Lynn and Gloria were married on June 30, 1958 and thus began a love that would last over 55 years.

Gloria was devoted to her family, her home and community. She took wonderful care of her husband often bringing meals to the field for anyone helping with harvest and supported her children in their many activities and education. Primarily a homemaker, Gloria was also involved in her church, St. John the Evangelist, serving as a trustee, catechism teacher, altar society and as the chairman of the committee that wrote the history of St. John’s parish. Gloria was passionate about reading and you could always find her reading a good book, newspaper or article.

Gloria embraced her community and led the development of Historic Elmwood and served on its board for many years. She was an active historian and co-authored the Grafton Centennial Book in 1982. She served on the North Dakota State Historical Records Advisory Board in Bismarck while Lynn served in the ND State Legislature.

Gloria believed strongly in education and was an active 50 year member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood serving as State President, on the International IPS Board and in her local chapter.

Gloria enjoyed curling and was on the state championship rink in 1968. Gloria also enjoyed spending time at her lake cabin and this past summer spent several weeks there with her daughters.

Gloria is survived by her children, Mare Thompson Hepper (Scott), Grand Forks, ND, Cathy (Doug) Johnson, Winona, MN, Ellie (Tom) Clarke, Seal Beach, CA and Paul (Jill) Thompson, Grafton, ND, grandchildren, Claire (Paul) Hoplin, Julia Clarke, Maria Clarke, Olivia Clarke, Molly Clarke, Cassie Thompson, Charlie Thompson and Anna Thompson and her sister-in-law June (Thompson) Hebbel. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother, Arthur Cloutier, nephew, Alex Cloutier and grandson, Peter Clarke.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday September 8, 2002 at 12:00 PM at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Grafton, ND. Visitation will be Tuesday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to Historic Elmwood in Grafton in memory of Gloria Thompson.

Social Distancing and face masks will be required.

An online guest book is available at: www.tollefsonfuneralhome.com

The Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton is in charge of the arrangements.