Marian Thompson

Marian Agatha Thompson, 86, of Motley, passed away peacefully with her family at her side, on February 17, 2023. A native of Churches Ferry ND, Marian was one of 10 children born to George and Mary Schmaltz on May 10, 1936. Marian attended school in Minnewauken ND where she was crowned Dairy Princess of her high school. Marian then moved to Grand Forks ND upon graduation and began working in retail sales. In 1955  she met Wally Thompson, and shortly after they began dating.

Marian married Wally December 12, 1956 in Grand Forks. They were married 34 years and together had 5 children: Audrey Nelson (Scott) Grand Forks ND, Linda Shearer (Dean) Fargo ND, Glenn Thompson Princeton MN, Roger Thompson (Sandy) Bismark ND, Dawn Anderson Crookston MN.

Marian adored her 8 grandchildren: Justin Nelson (Karyn), Emily Abentroth (Nick), Ashley Reuter (David)  Jordan Shearer (Grace), Jesse Shearer, Alexander Boone (Madison), Parker Boone, Sawyer Anderson. Marian also loved her 5 great-grandchildren: Hunter, Bella, Casey, Grady, Oliver Nelson.

In addition to Grand Forks, Wally and Marian lived in Willmar, MN and Superior WI  before finally settling  in Staples MN in 1972. Gardening, making unique treats and baking were things Marian enjoyed while being a homemaker as they raised their 5 children.  

Marian loved creativity and it showed in all of her passions. She enjoyed sewing clothing, quilting and knitting early in her marriage but discovered a new talent, cake decorating. For many years Marian had a successful home cake decorating business for all occasions, including beautifully designed wedding cakes. In addition to her cake business, she was president of the Garden Club in Staples and Red Hats, as well as active in the Eagles Club, and Hospital Auxiliary.

After retiring in Motley MN, Marian once again found a new creative interest, scrapbooking. She loved creating a story through photos and documenting each one with dates and special memories. Chronicling her and her family’s life through creative memories was important to her, she cherished all of the memory books she completed.

Marians vibrant energy did not let her stay home very long before she was out doing her favorite activity, dancing. For many years several days each week, Marian waltzed and two stepped on the dance floors of Motley and surrounding town with friends, as well as dancing polka’s and the chottische. Besides dancing, Marian also loved relaxing at home reading and doing crossword puzzles. Her warm smile, humor, spunk, laughter and charm made her such a pleasure to be around, and she was adored by those who knew and loved her.

Marian is survived by 4 of her children, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and 4 siblings. She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter and 5 siblings.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Staples MN. Services will be at 1pm on Saturday, February 25^th 2023 at Faith Lutheran Church in Staples with a visitation starting at one hour prior to services.