Kenneth M. Thompson

Kenneth Martin Thompson was born on March 2, 1933, in Coteau, North Dakota to Martin and Evelyn Virginia (Norberg) Thompson. He graduated from Coteau High School then enlisted in the Army. After his discharge, he attended the University of North Dakota where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity and graduated with a business degree. Kenny relocated to Devils Lake working for and later owning Gaspard’s Business Supply. He later worked for North Dakota Job Service until he retired. Shortly after moving to Devils Lake, he met his beloved Mary (Hagen). They were married July 6, 1962 and celebrated 55 years together until Mary passed away on November 2, 2017. 

Kenny was active in numerous fraternal and civic organizations including the Elks (Past Exalted Ruler), 50 plus year member of Devils Lake Masonic Lodge and KEM Shriners, Lake Region Flag Corps, American Legion, Rotary, and others.  He has been a long-time member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Kenny had a passion for the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. Each fall was very busy hunting ducks and geese in the Lake Region. Then there was the special trip to Killdeer, ND with dear friends for the pheasant opener! Kenny took great pride providing the smorgasbord from the tailgate of his Suburban. He deer hunted back home in Coteau with his family and made many trips to Canada fishing.

Mary and Kenny enjoyed the summers at their Wood Lake cabin, making wonderful memories over 50+ years. So many people around the lake enjoyed the generous hospitality that Mary and Kenny graciously shared daily on their patio in late afternoon social hours, SS Thompson pontoon rides, fish fry’s, golf cart rides and many other activities. The stories and fun times will be with us forever.

Kenny had a very special relationship with his two “children”. He and Mary were godparents to Janie Vang that started a lifetime relationship of mutual love and care. He was an all-encompassing father figure to Doug Vang with whom they shared countless time together at home, at the lake, in the field and on the boat as best friends forever.

Kenny was blessed to be in the company of and contribute to extraordinary people throughout his life leaving a legacy of joy that all will remember and carry forward. He was particularly grateful in recent years to the staff of Eventide Heartland Assisted Living and Nursing Home.

Kenny is survived by his sister-in-law, Isabelle Thompson, Minot ND; nieces and nephews Dean (Susan) Thompson, Minot, Sue (Joshua) Arnold, Rochester MN, Karen (Joel) Iverson, Missoula MT, Dennis Lyon, Bismarck, ND, Diane (Mike) Chilson, Carolyn Lyon (wife of deceased nephew John Lyon) all of Minot ND; godchild Janie Vang; “son” Doug (Kristi) Vang and several great nieces and great nephews. 

Kenny is preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents, brother Robert Thompson, sister Mavis Lyon, nephew John Lyon and great nephew Joseph Lyon. 

Casket Bearers will be Dean Thompson, Doug Vang, Richard Mertens, Darwin Peterson, Tom LaMotte, Darrell Jaeger, and Jack Martin.

Visitation will be at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Saturday, March 26, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. with a time of sharing and remembrance at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Services are on Sunday, March 27^th at 2:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Both services will be live-streamed through facebook.com. Burial and Military Honors will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery.

K