Larry Wayne Thompson was born in White Earth, ND to Mildred and Vernon Thompson on July 4th, 1941 and would always remain an “independent baby”. He passed peacefully December, 5th, 2019 at Trinity Hospital in Minot. He was the fourth of ten children who grew up on the family farm located south of White Earth where he raised cattle with his father while also maintaining other employment. He was baptized and confirmed in the First Lutheran Church of White Earth and remained a faithful and active member throughout his life. He attended grade school at the Momb schoolhouse which was located a mile from home across the coulee (and apparently uphill in both directions). Larry graduated from White Earth High School in 1959 and enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly thereafter. He was stationed in Germany for 2 ½ years and enjoyed sharing the fact that he was in the same unit as Elvis. He was honorably discharged from the service in 1962 and went to work for Mechanical Insulation and then Service Specialty Company, a decision that would begin his lifelong career in the insulation business.
In 1963, Larry was married to Beverly Hayden in Fairview, MT. They lived in Tioga, ND and welcomed their daughter, Juli, into their lives in 1964. Larry also joined Roustabout Service and Insulating Company in the same year. The family remained in Tioga until Larry accepted a four-year assignment in Roosevelt, UT from 1971 to 1975. Upon returning to North Dakota, Larry and Beverly built a home near his family’s ranch where he resumed his responsibilities of caring for a herd of cattle. Larry had recently retired from Roustabout after 55 years, having become a partner in the business with Dale Lalim & Bob Wenger in 1983, a partnership that would continue with Dale’s son, Randy Lalim, in the years to follow. Larry fulfilled his role at Roustabout as not only an employer but also as a mentor and father figure to the many workers who have joined the company throughout the years.
Larry was a diehard sports fan who enjoyed watching the Vikings and the Twins. He loved fishing, especially with Juli and his son-in-law RayDean, who he always admired and maintained a very close relationship with. Larry enjoyed golfing on days when it went well and also appreciated camping in his earlier years. He was fortunate to have taken many memorable trips with his friends to places such as Norway, Hawaii, Alaska, and the Panama Canal. They also had fun skiing together as a group. Larry loved lutefisk suppers and parades and even had the honor of being the Grand Marshall for the 2018 Tioga Farm Festival. He loved crowds of people and could hardly wait for the upcoming State Fair or Hostfest. He loved music and played both the violin and mandolin. He adored young children, who always seemed to be drawn to his amusing personality. Larry served the church council for several years and revered the annual Easter Breakfast as a very special occasion. He was also a member of the Stanley Legion Post #134 and the Moose Lodge in Williston.
Larry is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beverly: Daughter Juli Strid and her husband RayDean Strid: Three grandsons, John, Ryan, and Matthew: Sisters Verlee Kjosen (Don) of Stanley, ND, Edith Elvick of Reno, NV, and Joan Long (Jerry) of The Woodlands, TX: Brothers Jerry Thompson (Penelope) of Phoenix, AZ, and Steven Thompson of Williston, ND: Brothers-in-law Raymond Iverson, Jack Cremer, Joe Ness, and Dwayne Hayden (Rebecca): Sisters-in-law Marlene Spencer, Deloris Matson (Jim), Bonnie Schirmer, and Debra Williams (Luke): and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents Millie & Vernon: Sisters Betty Thompson, Sandra Cremer, Deanne Iverson, and Debbie Ness: Niece Donelle Niemetelo: Parents-in law Richard & Kathryn Hayden: Brothers-in-law Darrell Spencer Edward Schirmer and Michael Hayden.
Larry will be greatly missed by all the family and friends who were fortunate and deeply grateful to have him as a part of their lives.