Marian Thompson
Marian Agatha Thompson, 86, of Motley, passed away peacefully February 17, 2023, with her family at her side.
Services were held February 25 at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples.
A native of Churches Ferry, ND, Marian was born May 10, 1936 to George and Mary Schmaltz, one of 10 children. Marian attended school in Minnewauken, ND where she was crowned Dairy Princess of her high school. Marian then moved to Grand Forks, ND upon graduation and began working in retail sales. In 1955 she met Wally Thompson and shortly after they began dating.
Marian married Wally December 12, 1956 in Grand Forks. They were married 34 years and together had five children, Audrey (Scott) Nelson, Grand Forks, Linda (Dean) Shearer, Fargo, ND, Glenn Thompson Princeton, Roger (Sandy) Thompson, Bismark, ND, Dawn Anderson, Crookston.
Marian adored her eight grandchildren, Justin (Karyn) Nelson, Emily (Nick) Abentroth, Ashley (David) Reuter, Jordan (Grace) Shearer, Jesse Shearer, Alexander (Madison) Boone, Parker Boone and Sawyer Anderson. Marian also loved her five great-grandchildren, Hunter, Bella, Casey, Grady and Oliver Nelson.
In addition to Grand Forks, Wally and Marian lived in Willmar and Superior, WI before settling in Staples in 1972. Gardening, making unique treats and baking were things she enjoyed while being a homemaker as they raised their five children.
Marian loved creativity and it showed in all of her passions. She enjoyed sewing clothing, quilting and knitting early in her marriage but discovered a new talent, cake decorating. For many years Marian had a successful home cake decorating business for all occasions, including beautifully designed wedding cakes. In addition to her cake business, she was president of the Garden Club in Staples and Red Hats, as well as active in the Eagles Club and Hospital Auxiliary.
After retiring in Motley, Marian found a new creative interest, scrapbooking. She loved creating a story through photos and documenting each one with dates and special memories. Chronicling her and her family’s life through creative memories was important to her, she cherished all of the memory books she completed.
Marian’s vibrant energy did not let her stay home very long before she was out doing her favorite activity, dancing. For many years several days each week, she waltzed and two stepped on the dance floors of Motley and surrounding towns with friends, as well as dancing polka’s and the chottische. Along with dancing, Marian also loved relaxing at home reading and doing crossword puzzles. Her warm smile, humor, spunk, laughter and charm made her a pleasure to be around and she was adored by those who knew and loved her.
Marian is survived by four of her children, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and four siblings.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one daughter and five siblings.
Arrangements were by the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples.
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