Duane W. Thompson

Duane W. Thompson, formerly of Velva, North Dakota, 83 years died February 17, 2009. Duane, the son of William and Mabel Thompson was born Feb 22,1925 in Lake Crystal, Minnesota. He grew up during the Great Depression. His mother was a teacher in a one room schoolhouse in Minnesota where she met and married his father who helped support his family as a trapper, hunter, and carpenter. During the Depression, their family home in Velva was a train caboose car whose walls were papered in newsprint and Sears Roebuck catalog pages. Duane graduated from Velva High School in 1943. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp in 1943 and served as a radio operator/gunner on a B-17. He attained the rank of Sargeant. He was honorably discharged in March 1946 and returned to Velva. On May 5,1946 Duane married Helen Hubsky and made their home in Velva where theyraised their five children: Susan, David, Dwight, Robert and Randall. Upon discharge from the Army, Duane joined his father in Thompson Construction. Duane then owned and operated Velva Sand and Ready Mix. Also at this time, Duane was a rural mail carrier in the Velva area and worked for the U.S. Post Office for 30 years. After his retirement as a rural mail carrier, Duane and Helen built and operated a convenience store, The Country Corner, in Velva. Later, Duane and Helen relocated to Grand Forks where Helen still resides. Duane was active in many different Velva activities and served as a mayor of Velva. He was a charter member of the Velva Lions Club, a member of the Velva American Legion, a member of the Velva Methodist Church, and a former member of the Minot Elks Club. He enjoyed hunting and fishing trips with his family. These family fishing and camping trips to northern Canada were annual highlights and created lasting memories to the entire family. Duane was an avid bowler and won many trophies. His most cherished moments were those time spent with family and friends. He is survived by his wife Helen in Grand Forks, ND; daughter Susan (Jim) Dahle in Bottineau, ND; sons Dr. David (Zondra) Thompson in Gales Ferry, CT; Dwight (Ruth) Thompson in Grand Forks, ND, Dr Robert (Patricia) Thompson in Grand Forks, ND, and Randall (Kathy) Thompson in Woodbury, MN; nine grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father (William), his mother (Mabel) and his sisters Harriet Odegaard and Donna Theile.