Gary Thompson

To watch a recording of the service, please use the link: https://youtu.be/Jok7n6mg7qQ 
Gary Lee Thompson, 80, Grand Forks, passed away Sunday, February 9, 2025 at home, surrounded by his family. Gary Lee Thompson, the son of Gordon and Elaine (Jenson) Thompson, was born in Grand Forks on October 22, 1944. He attended school at Thompson, ND and graduated from Grand Forks Central High School in 1962. Gary earned a land surveyor degree in Downey, California. 

 He married Jacky Bydal on July 25, 1964. Gary and Jacky celebrated 60 years of marriage in 2024. They started their life together in East Grand Forks. They tried CA for a year, but chose to come back to Grand Forks. In 1976, they moved out to the country near Thompson while the 4 kids went to school and grew up. Gary and Jacky then lived at Big Wolf Lake near Bemidji, MN, where he loved to fish and watch the birds and the sunrises. The weekends were spent with family doing all kinds of lake activities. Gary especially enjoyed pontoon rides on the Mississippi and bonfires. They moved back to Grand Forks in 2018. Gary was employed by Richmond Engineering in Grand Forks, and later at Widseth, Smith, and Nolting in Crookston and Bemidji, MN until he retired. 

 Gary will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Jacky; his children, Kristy (Joe) Lewandowski, Mike (Darcy) Thompson, Kari (Dwight) Christian, and Kayle Thompson. He was adored by his grandchildren; Abby Gibson, Jake (Emily) Lewandowski, Lacy Lewandowski, Cassie (Josh) Rothe, Hannah (Jaime) Thompson, Morgan (Will) Thompson, Logan (Bekah) Christian, Kora Spicer, Josie (Brian) Christian, Jensen (Alan) Argueta, and Carsen Thompson. The great-grandchildren will miss his cuddles; Lennox & Finley Gibson, Beckett, Reed, Amelia, & Myles Lewandowski, Laken Crowe, Reggie & Ike Christian, Boone & Dutton Spicer, Crew Argueta, and Cooper Rothe. He is survived by his sisters; Geri Fortin, Caryl Mack, and Nancy (Gary) Krom. Gary leaves behind his in laws, Bob (Mary Jo) Bydal, Kathy (Mark Hegstrom) and Mike Bydal and several dear nieces and nephews.

 Gary loved fishing, trips to Texas, Suduko, Play 9 card game, computer games, coffee, watching tv, lefse, scary movies, Sioux hockey, and the MN Vikings. He loved rocking babies! Grampa Gary attended all of the grandkid/great-grandkid activities that he was able to. His free time was always spent with his family.

 Honorary Pallbearers: Gary’s grandchildren; Abby, Jake, Lacy, Logan, Kora, Cassie, Jensen, Hannah, Josie, Carsen, and Morgan.

 He is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Elaine Thompson, his mother-in-law, Betty Bydal, and his brothers-in-law, Dennis Mack and Gerald Fortin.

 Kristy, Mike, Kari and Kayle would like to thank their mom for taking such good and loving care of their dad. 

 In lieu of flowers, donations can be placed in Gary’s honor at East Walle Church, Thompson ND or the American Diabetes Association.
Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 14, 2025 in East Walle Lutheran Church, Rural Thompson, ND with visitation one hour prior to the service in the church.  Interment will be in East Walle Lutheran Cemetery.