Barbara May Thompson
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Barbara May Thompson, 89, formerly of Thief River Falls, MN died peacefully Thursday, December 3, 2020 with the support and comfort of her daughter Kathryn, son-in-law Scott, and Mayo Hospice.
Barbara was born on July 21, 1931 in Roseau County, MN to Olaf and Laverna (Bloom) Brenhaug. She was confirmed in the Moe Lutheran Church in 1944 and graduated from Roseau High School.
Barbara's career in the nursing profession began early in life as a Nurse's Aide. On a busy night at the young age of 16, she delivered her first baby while the doctor gave directions from the doorway. (Mother and child did just fine.) She went on to earn her nursing degree from the University of Minnesota and Surgical Technician certification in St. Louis, Missouri. Over the years she specialized in many surgical procedures, working in surgery, the Emergency Room and Nursery. Her skills transcended her professional life, as she was called into service on many occasions to give aid and comfort to those sick and injured in rural northern Minnesota.
Barbara's first marriage to Dennis D. Hanson blessed them with two children, David Duane and Kathryn Denise.
Barbara later married Donald (Don) M. Thompson. The two lived in Thief River Falls, MN, while enjoying their cabin on Springsteel Island, Lake of the Woods. Later they would spend winters at their home in Brownsville, TX. Barbara enjoyed hunting, fishing and the great outdoors. She was a skilled and avid painter of nature scenes and enjoyed a good game of cards.
Barbara is survived by her daughter, Kathryn (Scott) Rustad; grandchildren, Christopher (Christina Lazarakis) Bacon, Samantha (Samuel) Sharkey, Aaron Lundbohm and Andy (Rachel) Lundbohm; great grandchildren, Kennedy Lundbohm and Tucker Lundbohm; sister, Lucille (Lawrence) Ward; brother Wesley Brenhaug; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Don; son, David; parents, Olaf and Laverna; sister, Florence and brother, Roger.
A celebration of her life will be held later in 2021 in Thief River Falls, MN.