Lennis Thompson

Memorial services will be held for Lennis Mercedes Thompson at Trinity Lutheran Church in Steele, ND, on Saturday, November 11, at 12:00 PM. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM Friday at Eastgate Funeral Service in Bismarck. Lennis Mercedes Attletweedt Thompson died November 5, 2006, from renal failure after an extended illness at Odyssey Hospice Care Center in Mesa, AZ, at the age of 77. She was a member of Saint Peters Lutheran Church in Mesa. Her faith was very strong. Lennis is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 56 years; one daughter, Marlyce William Kocher of Gillette, WY; three sons, Robert Thompson, Mandan, ND, Noral Debby Thompson, Bismarck, ND, and Dwight Thompson, Granby, CO; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several dear cousins; and many nieces, nephews, and close friends. Lennis was preceded in death by her parents, Chris and Iva Nelson Attletweedt; her brother, Glen Attletweedt; her sister, Helen Vanous; an infant granddaughter, Kelly Jo Kocher; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Lennis was born on August 3, 1929, on the farm near Robinson, ND, the daughter of Chris and Iva Nelson Attletweedt. She attended public school near Robinson until her family moved to Steele in 1941 and graduated from Steele High School in 1947. She attended Valley City State Teacher's College for two years and taught near Mayville, ND for five years. Lennis worked at the Costello Cafe and the Woodlawn Hotel while going to high school. She met George W. Thompson in 1949 and they were married on August 27, 1950, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Steele, ND, in a double wedding with her cousin, Elaine Attletweedt and George's brother, Tommy. They lived on a farm 3 1/2 miles south of Steele after they were married. In 1961, they moved to Sun Valley, Los Angeles, where George worked at in a big liquidation store. Lennis worked at the Federal Reserve Bank in down town Los Angeles. In 1963 they moved back to North Dakota and lived in Bismarck. Lennis worked at the First National Bank and then at St. Alexius Hospital as a scrub technician. She also worked at Jerry's Supper Club and the Holiday Inn as a waitress. George worked at Northern Improvement for 25 years. During the time they lived in Bismarck, Lennis and George took in and helped college students. She thoroughly enjoyed that and had many new children to call her "Mom". She loved having her children's friends come over to the house also. She treated them like her own. When they did something wrong or got into trouble she scolded them like they were her own. She also loved it when they called her "Mom". In 1981, they moved to Gillette, WY. George worked for Larry's Plumbing and Heating as a loader operator. Lennis worked as a waitress at several restaurants and also as a housekeeper for several people. As George's job took him to several places throughout the states, Lennis would follow and stay in their camper. In 1988, they decided to move to Mesa, AZ, for the winters where it was warm. They always returned home to North Dakota in the summers until the summer of 2005 when Lennis became sick. George and Lennis were very devoted to one another and to their children. She lived for her family and husband. George cared for Lennis every day during her long illness and never left her side. They were very proud of their children's accomplishments. Together they enjoyed traveling to see family and friends. Most of all they enjoyed going back home to North Dakota and being with all of their children and grandchildren. Lennis especially loved getting together on holidays or special occasions. She loved to cook, clean, and have parties. Her door was always open to anyone who came into town. Her home was known as "The Little House on the Side of the Road." Lennis also loved to dance. She would dance all night as long as her tiny little feet and legs would carry her. Her favorite dances were the jitter bug and polka. Her favorite songs were "Roll Out the Barrell" and "In the Mood." She was definitely always in the mood. Lennis' pastime was cleaning. You always saw her with a rag in her hand. She also loved to write poetry and tinker on the organ. She won several awards and a trophy from the International Society of Poets. At night, she loved to relax by watching all the old time shows especially "Andy of Mayberry" and "Little House on the Prairie." Lennis will always be remembered for being the most loving, caring, selfless, hard working person alive. She was always willing to put others first and never asked for anything in return. Every night before she went to sleep, she had to get a good night kiss from "Daddy" George. If she didn't she felt bad. One of the high points in Lennis' life was their trip to Norway with their daughter and some other relatives. It was a dream come true. She laughed and talked about the many good times they all had together. Another highlight of her life was celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary with all of their family and friends. It meant so much to her that every one came to help them celebrate. Lennis had a strong will to live and never gave up until the Lord was willing to take her. All the doctors were amazed at what a strong person she was because of what she had to endure. They all said that she must have a very strong heart. If they only knew! She always said she wasn't going until she was ready. A woman devoted to her family, she was so proud of each of us and demonstrated her love for us every day in countless ways we'll always cherish! She kept up her strength for her family and friends until the end. Memorials and condolences may be sent in her name in care of Eastgate Funeral Home, 2302 E. Divide Ave., Bismarck, ND 58501 or via the Internet at www.eastgatefuneral.com.

Lennis Thompson

August 3, 1929 - November 5, 2006