Evon C. Thompson

 Service will be livestreamed at facebook.com/stolafdevilslake

Evon Claire Thompson, born Evon Riebe in Frazee, Minnesota on March 5th, 1936. She left this world peacefully from her home in Mesa, AZ at the age of 87 on February 16, 2024, transitioning to be with her Lord. She was a beacon of love and strength, always placing her family above all else.

Life threw its hardest blows at Evon, yet she stood tall, unwavering in her love and devotion. The loss of her firstborn son, Scott, in a motorcycle accident at just 16 years of age was a heartbreak no parent should endure. But Evon, with her remarkable resilience, continued to pour her love into her family, raising two more children while keeping her late son's memory alive in their hearts. She shared her life with her family and beloved husband, Allan, for 67 years.

Evon had an extraordinary talent for finding and creating beauty in the world around her. From her vibrant tabletop displays to her apple green shag carpet and hot pink flocked Christmas tree, her home was a testament to her marvelous eye for color and flair for the unique. She shared her decorating talents at the family business, Devils Lake Glass and Paint, helping customers with picture framing to decorate their homes.

Beyond her artistic talents, Evon found joy in the simple pleasures of life. An avid reader, expert solitaire player, and exceptional baker/cook, she found solace and happiness in these everyday activities. She had a flair for entertaining friends and family at their home, the lake and Mesa, AZ. But perhaps her greatest gift was her ability to connect with others. Whether engaging in deep conversations with loved ones or sharing a friendly "how are you" with a stranger in the grocery store, Evon's genuine interest and warmth touched the hearts of all who crossed her path.

Evon’s love extended beyond her home, as she found great joy in cheering on her children and grandchildren at their sports events. Watching them play brought her immense pride and happiness and she never missed a game if she could help it.

During the warmer months in Devils Lake, she loved to serve breakfasts at St. Olaf Retreat Center and always stepped up to serve others with her gift to cook.

Evon leaves behind her loving husband Allan, Devils Lake, ND; cherished daughter, Dawn (Gerry) Brossart, Fargo ND; devoted son, Todd (Lynn) Thompson, Devils Lake, ND; and four adoring grandchildren, Garrett (Brook) Brossart, Bennington, NE; Lexa Brossart, Fargo, ND; Keaton Thompson (Grace Harcharik), Mannheim, Germany; Cole Thompson, Fargo ND;  along with countless others whose lives she graced with her presence. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her memory will forever shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She is preceded in death by her son Scott, parents Gustave “Gus” and Selma “Sally” Riebe and in-laws Earl and Anna Thompson. 

A memorial celebration of Evon's life will be held on February 23rd, 2024, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Apache Wells Country Club in Apache Wells, Mesa, AZ. 

There will be a visitation at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake, ND on Tuesday, February 27^th, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. The funeral will take place at St Olaf Lutheran Church in Devils Lake, ND, on February 28^th, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. allowing family and friends from both near and far to honor and remember this remarkable woman who touched so many lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Scott Thompson Scholarship Fund at Lake Region State College, Devils Lake or St. Olaf Lutheran Church Elevator Repair Fund in memory of Evon. 

Casket Bearers will be Evon’s Grandchildren. 

Honorary Bearers will be Larry Liere, Rick and Shirley LaFleur, Jack and Sandy Zaleski, Dale and Yvonne Dalziel, Brent and Linda Auman, Jerry and Arlene Dunn, Harry and Darlene Lipert and Stephanie Armstrong.