Donna L. Thompson

Donna Lu (Knauss) Thompson died on Friday, June 23, 2017 at Altru Hospital at age 83. Donna was born in Cooperstown, ND on January 8, 1934 to Donald and Letha (Kolberg) Knauss. She moved to Hannaford, ND and attended school there and graduated from Hannaford High School in 1952. She married Lowell Thompson on November 2, 1952. They lived in Hannaford, Valley City, Goodrich and Lakota, ND and Baltimore, MD. The family moved to Grand Forks in 1968. Donna graduated from Aaker’s Business College in Grand Forks. She was employed at the University of North Dakota for 25 years, working as a secretary in the Social Work Department, the College of Human Resources and Development, Occupational Therapy Department and the Honor’s Program. She was awarded a UND Meritorious Service Award. She was a member, Deacon, and Elder at First Presbyterian Church in Grand Forks.  She belonged to Eastern Star while living in Goodrich and served as Sunday School Superintendent there. She is survived by her husband Lowell of 65 years and their children, daughters, LuAnn Burris, Denise (John) Horpedahl and sons, Jody (Machell) Thompson and Mike (Deb) Thompson all of Grand Forks; 9 grandchildren, Jerrod (Jacy), Andee (Todd) and DJ (Amanda) Burris; Craig (Katie) and Carrie (Janeiro) Horpedahl; Travis and Taylor Thompson; Tyler (Mackenzie) and Hailey Thompson; 11 great-grandchildren, Christian Wedin, Ryder and Bodee Burris; Aspen, Elijah and Landry Thompson; Jacelyn, Jerzie and Jerohn Cathey; Hudson and Nash Burris; three brothers; Jim (Judy) Knauss of Versailles, KY; Ronnie (Evy) Knauss of Chisago City, MN; Donnie Jr. (Cathy) Knauss of Albert Lea, MN, and sister-in-law, Marilyn Rhoades of Campbell, CA. She was preceded in death by her parents and several cousins, aunts and uncles. She enjoyed her family most all, her church, her friends, her animals and playing cards. She especially enjoyed watching her children, grandchildren and great-grand children in school events and athletics. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to First Presbyterian Women or the Grand Forks Humane Society. Funeral Service: 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 27 at the First Presbyterian Church 5555 S. Washington St. Grand Forks, ND. Visitation: 11:30 - 1pm prior to the start of the service in the church.