Jean LaVonne Thompson, 94, of Minneapolis passed away on her birthday, Monday, March 20, 2017.
Funeral services have been held.
Jean is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, Thomas; 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 (Jon) Nelson, Ben Ruhme, Jessica (Brian) Larson, Michael Gourley; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Ellen Joul; brother, Orville Joul; and granddaughter, Katelyn Gourley.
Lavonne was born on a farm near Rushmore. She lived on the farm with two younger brothers, Orville and Burton, until she was 14. The family moved to Lakefield where she finished high school and went on to Worthington Junior College. She graduated in 1946 from Hamline University with a bachelor’s degree in Nursing Arts and bachelor’s degree 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 four 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.