Linda Catherine (Grzadzieleski) Thompson, 75
Linda Catherine (Grzadzieleski) Thompson, 75, passed on to eternal life on Monday, July 14, 2025.
She was born on June 26, 1950, to Harris and Alice (Lessard) Grzadzieleski at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, Drayton, N.D.
Linda attended grade and middle school at Drayton Public School, Drayton, and graduated from high school at St. Francis Academy, Hankinson, N.D., in May 1968. She furthered her education at Mayville State College, majoring in elementary education with a minor in psychology, graduating on May 26, 1972, with a bachelor of science degree. Linda taught one year at Belcourt, N.D., followed by 32 years at Drayton Public School. She enjoyed teaching literacy to first graders and felt that to “teach was to touch lives forever.” She had a career of living vicariously through her students and loved each of them.
Linda was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, Drayton Education Association, and taught Confraternity of Christian Doctrine (CCD) in Drayton and Stephen. She presented parties and activities to Tamarac Senior Citizens at Stephen, Minn., often doing “themed” events. She was known to volunteer at St. Edward’s Church, Drayton; St. Stephen’s Church, Stephen; and Lancaster Covenant Church, Lancaster, Minn.
Linda loved to stay busy; she could often be found doing crafts, writing letters, reading or gardening. She was widely known by her family and friends for her entertaining and cooking. Her grandkids were her pride and joy benefiting from her love of teaching and learning. She also loved to spend time in the summers camping at nearby places.
Linda married Merl DeFoe on June 17, 1972. From this union, Allan (Brenda) DeFoe, Grand Forks, N.D., and Margo (Bruce) Eliason, Lakeville, Minn., were born. On July 12, 1996, she married Jack Thompson and gained two sons, Bradley (Ann) Thompson, Karlstad, Minn., and Michael (Lisa) Thompson, Ada, Minn. Over the course of time, 10 beautiful grandchildren were born: Brody (Mercedes) and Trevor DeFoe; Mady Eliason; Michael (Alison), Adam (Kendra), Connor, Jace, Lauren, Jenna and Blaine Thompson. As well as two great-grandchildren, Dean and Elowyn DeFoe. She had seven siblings: Rodney (Nancy) Grzadzieleski, Mary (Bill) Roehm, Wanda (Peter) Grzadzieleski, Michael Grzadzieleski, Timothy Grzadzieleski, Julie (Michael) Anderson, and Paul Grzadzieleski, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her father, Harris; mother, Alice; and an infant brother, Timothy.
Funeral services were held at Lancaster Covenant Church, Lancaster, on Friday, July 18, 2025, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Galen Nordin officiating. There will be a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Following the service there will be a light lunch at the church and a burial at Hillcrest Cemetery, Donaldson, Minn.
Austin Funeral Chapel, Hallock, was in charge of the arrangements. www. austinfuneralchapel.com.
