Barbara Thompson

Barbara Thompson, age 86, of Fosston, MN, passed away on Sunday (February 9th) at First Care Living Center in Fosston. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday (February 15th) at Hope Lutheran Church in Fosston with the Rev. Arlen Hermodson and Marilyn Malmanger officiating. Interment will be in Hope Lutheran Cemetery, Fosston. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home of Fosston and messages of condolence may be sent at carlinhoialmen.com. Memorials are preferred to Hope Lutheran Church or Essentia Hospice of Fosston. Barb was born April 14, 1927 in Albert Lea, Minnesota to A. Melvin and Brita (Opdahl) Larson. She was the youngest of three daughters. They lived in Scarville, Iowa until they moved to a farm near Beltrami, Minnesota in 1932. She graduated from Fertile High School in 1944 and attended Concordia College from 1944-1948. She graduated from Concordia College with a Bachelor of Science degree in History Education. It was at Concordia that Barb met the love of her life, Marv Thompson. Barb and Marv were married in Beltrami August 19, 1948 and recently celebrated 65 years of marriage. They lived in Lakefield, Minnesota from 1949-1951 and then moved to Fosston. Barb taught junior high history at Fosston High School for many years and had a passion for teaching. She loved working with students and instilling in them the love of history. In 1981 Barb was the teacher of the year and enthusiasm, energy and encouragement were the key words in her philosophy of education. She was involved in various activities out of the classroom as well as in it. She was the advisor to cheerleaders and the Junior High Student Council. She was very proud to have been the first coach for the girls track program at Fosston. Barb was active in many organizations including the American Field Service Program, American Legion Auxiliary, Birthday Club, Cub Scout Den Mother and various Hope Lutheran Church activities. Barb loved to read, fish, and spend time at their cabin on Cass Lake. Barb also very much loved her grandchildren and the times spent with them. One of Barbs greatest joys was traveling with Marv. They traveled extensively after their retirement visiting all 50 states as well many countries throughout the world. Survivors are her husband Marvin, sons Mike and wife Deb of Minneapolis, MN, Gary and wife Lori of Valley City, ND, and Steve and wife Natalie of River Falls, WI, grandchildren Philip Thompson, Christina (Brian) Veccho, Kari Thompson, Jacob Thompson and Melene Thompson. She was preceded in death by her parents and sisters Beulah F. Larson and Blanche M. Clark. Pallbearers: Philip Thompson, Christina Vecchio, Kari Thompson, Jacob Thompson, Brian Vecchio, Melene Thompson, John Clark, and Betsy Murray.