Gerald M. Tompkins

Gerald Manton Tompkins was born April 6, 1934 in Presque Isle, ME, the son of Elmer and Adeline (Bull) Tompkins. He died on April 12, 2021 at home in Grand Forks, surrounded by his family. He was raised near Mapleton, ME where he attended school and was a stand-out athlete in basketball, baseball, and track. Gerry came to know Jesus at a young age and served his Lord faithfully throughout his life.

In 1954 Gerry joined the US Air Force and served in Newfoundland and Texas. Upon his honorable discharge in 1957, he returned to Maine where he worked for the Maine Forestry Service and Maine Potato Growers, Inc. Gerry married Eileen Ames on December 29, 1961 in Easton, ME.  A few years later he began his career in potato processing with a company now known as Simplot.  He accepted a transfer to Grand Forks, ND as a shift manager in 1969 and was employed there until his retirement in 1996. Gerry enjoyed working the fields on the Johnson farm for many years after his retirement from Simplot. He was also a courtesy driver for Lithia Toyota.  

Gerry was a fan of UND basketball and football. He and Eileen loved to travel, especially back to Maine where he could enjoy his favorite food, a fresh Maine lobster. He also enjoyed many hunting and fishing trips with friends and family. Gerry was a beloved Grampie and attended many activities and events in which his grandchildren were involved.  He was a faithful member of Grace Baptist Church for over 50 years and loved attending and serving there, especially providing the Sunday morning coffee and donuts.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Wendell, and sister-in-law Joanne.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen, along with their sons, Kurt (Rosemary) Tompkins, Fargo, ND, Daren (Kerry) Tompkins, Oshkosh, WI; grandchildren, Bethany Tompkins, David (Hope) Tompkins, Brita (Bryce) Bircher, Nicholas (Kaitlin) Tompkins and Cole Tompkins; great grandchildren, Harper Tompkins, Nolan, Thomas, and Grace Bircher; brother, Roland (Pauline) Tompkins, Presque Isle, ME; sister-in-law, Betty Tompkins, Tempe, AZ.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 am, Saturday, April 17, 2021 at Grace Baptist Church, Grand Forks, ND.  Visitation will be from 9:30-10:30 at the church. Interment will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery of Grand Forks.