Lavanda Thompson, 86 of Wadena, Iowa died Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Gundersen Palmer Lutheran Hospital, West Union, Iowa. Lavanda was born June 18, 1930 to Willie and Lena (Kjosa) Bergan in Gunder, Iowa. She graduated from Postville High School in 1948. Lavanda attended Normal School Teacher Training and taught country school around Gunder until she married. She also worked as a switchboard operator.
Lavanda was united in marriage with Floyd Thompson on December 28, 1951 at the Marion Lutheran Church Parsonage. Four children were born to this union. After marriage she and Floyd moved to their farm outside of Wadena, Iowa and raised their family. Lavanda was a member of the Elgin Lutheran Church and WELCA. She was also a Sunday school teacher and choir member. Lavanda helped as a poll worker in Wadena for many years and was a Cowbelle for the Fayette County Cattlemen. She was a dedicated and hardworking homemaker who enjoyed making many Norwegian foods. In her spare time she enjoyed gardening, doing jigsaw puzzles and being involved in the church. The highlights of her life were her family and friends.
Lavanda is survived by her children, Larry (Dawn) Thompson of Rochester, Washington, Julie (Russ) Curtis of Burr Oak, Iowa, Dianne (Tom) Bjelland of West Union, Iowa and Brian (Barb) Thompson of Wadena, Iowa; nine grandchildren, Gretchen (Henry) Foust, Cecilia (Anne) Thompson, Laura Tudahl, Robert (Rose) Amundson, Paul (Angela) Amundson, James Thompson, Dawn Thompson, Jessie Thompson and Denise Thompson; five great-grandchildren, Zachary Foust, Lucille Foust, Megan Tudahl, Jordan Tudahl and Miles Amundson; sister, Deloris Olson of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin; and sister-in-law, Eleanor Thompson of Minnesota.
Lavanda was preceded in death by her husband, Floyd D. Thompson; parents, Willie and Lena Bergan; sister, Donna Butikofer; and son-in-law, Kevin Amundson.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 8, 2017 from 4-7 pm at Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Elgin, Iowa with one hour visitation before services at the church on Monday.
Funeral Services will be at 10:30 am on Monday, January 9, 2017 at Elgin Lutheran Church, Elgin, Iowa with Rev. David Coffin as the Officiant.
Burial will be 1:00 pm on Monday, January 9, 2017 at Wadena Cemetery, Wadena, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Lavanda’s honor, may be made to the Wadena Lighted Cross Fund.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service is helping the family with the arrangements.