Lawrence Thompson

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On September 1, 2021, God called his faithful servant home. Lawrence LaVyrn Thompson, our father, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away from natural causes surrounded by his loved ones. 

Larry Thompson was born to Willis and Sarah Thompson August 27, 1936, on the family farm in Halstad, MN.  Larry spent the bulk of his childhood on the family farm and at Coulee, ND. As a young man, Larry attended Dakota Lutheran but took a year off to spend time with his parents who were serving a mission at Coaba Farm in Bolivia for the World Mission Prayer League.  While at Bible Camp, Larry met Ethel Haakenson and that would eventually lead to a 61-year love affair.  After graduating from high school, Larry attended the Lutheran Bible Institute before going to Concordia College in Moorehead, MN. Following their college graduations, Larry and Ethel were married on June 3, 1959. 

Larry’s love of service and devotion to his faith served as guiding principles in a life well-lived. After attending Luther Seminary in St. Paul, MN, “Pastor Larry” shared that faith by serving in Lutheran parishes in Medicine Lake, MT; Rudyard, MT; Camano Island, WA; Connell, WA; and Hazel Run, MN. After retiring from the ministry, a second master’s degree led to a position at Wheaton College as an archivist in the Buswell Library Special Collections. After his retirement, Larry continued to serve as a visiting pastor for those in need.

Larry is survived by his daughters Rachel Thompson (Kim Searle), West Jordan, UT, and Lois (Carl) Grove (Everett, WA); Grandchildren: McKane (Makayla) & Ciara Searle, Clinton Grove; and brother, David (Joan) Thompson as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel (8/20/20), his parents, Willis and Sarah Thompson and Ingeborg Thompson, brother Paul Thompson, and nephew Mark Thompson.

Dad loved our mother, time at the cabin, driving a combine or wheat truck in Montana, his genealogy work, writing, and reading. He touched many lives through his ministry, and made many friendships along the way. From the Coffee Clutch to the Sons of Norway and everything in between, Dad was so blessed and grateful to have shared his life with so many wonderful people.

In lieu of gifts, you can honor Dad’s memory by donating to a service organization like Lutheran World Relief (https://lwr.org/ways-to-give) or any local charity.  

A small family memorial will be held at Eastgate Funeral home, followed by a graveside service in Maxbass, North Dakota.