Bob A Thompson

Robert A. "Bob" Thompson, 76, Grand Forks, ND died Tuesday, March 10, 2009 in Altru Hospital of Grand Forks, ND. Robert Ardell Thompson was born July 23, 1932 in Hatton, North Dakota, the son of Alfred and Anette (Frydelund) Thompson. He was raised and educated in Hatton and Graduated from high school there in 1950. He Graduated from Mayville State College in 1954. Bob taught school in Gilby, North Dakota before moving to Grand Forks where he was a teacher at Valley Junior High until his retirement in 1993. Bob was a coach and referee for basketball, football cross country and track. He also founded and was the head of Valley Officiating in Grand Forks. He was recently inducted into the Referee Hall of Fame. Bob was also the head of "The Chain Gang" who carry the down markers for UND football games. He was an honorary letterman at UND and received The Distinguished Service award at Mayville State. Bob also served as president of the Kiwanis Club. He taught drivers education classes for many years and taught adult education classes on how to make lefse. He also taught drivers education on behalf of the AARP. He was past president of the University Lutheran Church council, the men's group and was head usher for many years. He served on the board of directors for the Grand Forks Senior Citizens Center and also attended the morning coffee club and coaches club. Bob loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, family, friends and making lefse. Bob married Eleanor Johnson on August 15, 1954 in Hoople, ND. She died October 19, 1999. Survivors include his daughters, Bobbie Jo (John) Hurlimann, Valley City, ND and Becky (Brent) Ellefson, Cooperstown, ND; son, Ron (Liz) Thompson, Fargo, ND; grandchildren, Scott (Alison) and Tanya Hurlimann, Aubrey, Marissa and Taylor Ellefson, Kortney, Ross and Luke Thompson; sisters, Natalie (Ray) Camrud, Rochester, MN and Marian (Bob) Koering, Valley City, ND. He was preceded in death by his wife; daughter, Renee Thompson; his parents; brothers, Chester, Hilliard, Earl, Polly, Art and by sisters, Alpha and Joyce.