LaVonne Thompson

Jean LaVonne Thompson passed away on her 94th birthday on 3/20/2017 in Minneapolis. Preceded in death by her parents Harry and Ellen Joul, brother Orville Joul; sister-in-law, Jan Joul, and granddaughter Katelyn Gourley. She is survived by Thomas, her loving husband of 70 years, children Greg (Becky) Thompson, Susan (Don) Kunelius, Mary (Paul) Ruhme, Patty (Kelley) Gourley, grandchildren Tom (Tiffany) Thompson, Ted (Janice) Thompson, Theresa (Brian) Helms, Elizabeth (Jason) Namyst, Sarah (Jonathan) Nelson, Ben Ruhme, Jessica (Brian) Larson, Michael Gourley, and 11 great-grandchildren; brother, Burton Joul; sister-in-law, Marilyn Joul.

LaVonne was born on a farm near Rushmore, MN. She lived on the farm with two younger brothers, Orville and Burton, until she was 14. The family moved to Lakefield, MN where she finished high school and went on to Worthington Junior College. She graduated in 1946 from Hamline University with a Bachelor’s in Nursing Arts and Bachelor’s in Sciences. She then married Thomas Thompson on Sept. 7, 1947.

Once married, she went to work for Minneapolis General Hospital in Pediatrics, saving children born prematurely. She quit her job at the hospital to raise a family and had four children, Greg, Susan, Mary, and Patty. She always wanted a large family. The family moved to a larger home near Lake Harriet where the children went to Southwest High school. She did a wonderful job of raising 4 youngsters. LaVonne had a long relationship with Richfield United Methodist Church, teaching Sunday school, serving on the Trustees, the Women’s Society, and other church committees.

For all who knew her, LaVonne was synonymous with compassion, comfort, warmth, and love. She was a cornerstone in all our lives, and the world will be a poorer place without her joy, her smile, and her soul.