Heidemarie (Heidi) Thompson

Heidemarie (Heidi) Thompson, 79, of Hettinger, ND passed away from a heart attack while working in her garden on Thursday, July 25, 2024. 

Funeral services for Heidi will be held at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 at the Bucyrus Lutheran Church in Bucyrus, ND.  Pastor Deb Molbert will officiate and inurnment will be at the North Dakota State Veterans Cemetery south of Mandan, ND at 12:00 p.m. noon on Friday, August 2, 2024.

Heidi's funeral will be recorded and uploaded for viewing following the service.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the Centennial Chapel of the Evanson Jensen Funeral Home in Hettinger, ND.

Heidi was born in Oberosterrich, Austria on July 8, 1945, to Theresia and Wilhelm Nakolnig during World War II. Graz was being bombed frequently during that time and her daughter Mina could not tolerate being in the dark, wet shelters. With all men serving in the Army, Theresia left their home with Mina to live with her family in northern Austria until the war was over.  Food was scarce everywhere so Mina rode her bike to local farms daily to beg for food and pick up milk for baby Heidi provided by the U.S. Army.

When Heidi was 17 years old, she met her future husband, Bill Thompson at a New Year’s Eve party in Graz.  Bill was invited to come home with a friend over the Christmas holiday, rather than staying in the barracks. Bill’s friend knew Heidi and they all made plans to meet at the party. Sparks flew when Bill was introduced to Heidi and they were married later that summer on June 25, 1963.

Bill and Heidi moved to Bucyrus, ND after his honorable discharge from the Army and started their life together farming and ranching. Their three children Charis, Cindy and Lee were born in quick succession over the following 4 years.

In 1975 Heidi completed her course work and earned her High School Diploma and then her United States Citizenship. She worked as an Executive Secretary in a law office for 13 years and then at West River Medical Center for 23 years.

Heidi loved cooking, gardening, and spending time with family and close friends. Other hobbies included sewing, knitting, traveling, camping, exercising and texting/talking to her sister Mina every morning. Heidi shared her love by creating in her kitchen. She was known for making every dish from scratch and being the go-to when needing advice while following a recipe. Often the saying “what would Heidi do” would arise in conversation when an obstacle came about. And yes, as you would know it, she would know the answer. Each dish shared created memories that will never be forgotten.

She is survived by loving husband, Bill Thompson, Bucyrus ND; daughter Charis (Earnest) Campbell, Hettinger ND; daughter Cindy (Scott) Werlinger, Fargo ND; son Lee (Andrea) Thompson, Trophy Club TX. Grandchildren, Michael (Jamie) Campbell, Fargo ND; Breanna Werlinger, Fargo ND; Thea Werlinger, Fargo ND; Aidan (Bethany) Thompson, Renton, WA. Great Grandchildren, Skyler Racette, Fargo ND; Kimberley Campbell, Fargo ND.

She is proceeded in death by her father, Wilhelm Nakolnig, brothers, Willy and Otmar Nakolnig, mother, Theresia Nakolnig.  

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund at the Bucyrus Lutheran Church has been established.

Condolences may be sent through our website at www.evansonjensenfuneralhome.com.