Darlene M. Thompson, 73

Winnebago — Darlene Marie Thompson, known to her close friends and family as ‘Dolly,’ age 73, of Winnebago, died Aug. 28, 2008, at her home in Winnebago after a long and courageous battle with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertensive Schleraderma.

Memorial Services were held Sept. 6, 2008 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Fairmont. Local Branch President Dennis Larson officiated. A Burial Dedication took place at the Riverside Cemetery in Blue Earth.

Spencer-Owen Funeral Home in Winnebago assisted the family with the arrangements.

Darlene was born Aug. 4, 1935, in Blue Earth, the daughter of Adrian and Helen M. (Schuler) Brakke. She was raised and educated in Blue Earth, where she was a 1953 graduate of Blue Earth High School. She was married to her sweetheart Wallace A. “Wally” Thompson on Oct. 13, 1954 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa.

Darlene was a beloved homemaker and a devoted mother and grandmother. She was a Silver Life Master Bridge Player who also enjoyed flower gardening, camping, fishing, cooking, and most of all, being the ‘head’ cheerleader in the lives of all her family. In addition, she was the original inspiration behind the construction of the Winnebago Area Swimming Pool and a Cub Scout Leader for many years.

Darlene is survived by her husband: Wally Thompson of Winnebago; sons Craig (Julie) Thompson of Burnsville and Curtis Thompson of Winnebago; daughters Cara Marie Thompson-Weir of Salt Lake City, Utah and Colleen (Allen) Wendt of Amboy; sisters Marcy Christensen of St. Peter, Joyce (Roland) Fuller of Littleton, Colo., Monica (Edward) Frederick of Good Thunder, Barbara (Richard) Silberneck of Becker; nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents.

Darlene was a woman of selflessness beyond definition. Her husband, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren honor her with deep gratitude for the example of love, strength and fortitude she set. She was ‘all heart and soul.’

All memorial donations will be directed to the Blue Earth Hospice program and to the National Schleraderma Foundation.