Viola Thompson

Viola Florence Retzlaff, daughter of Paul and Annie (Perkins) Retzlaff, was born July 9, 1915 in Swan Lake Township in Stevens County, Minnesota, where she grew up and began her schooling. On May 4, 1939, she was united in marriage to Gilbert Thompson in South Dakota. Following their marriage, the couple lived and farmed in the Donnelly area until 1962, when they moved to Morris. Viola was a full time mother and homemaker. Gilbert died on September 15, 1987. Viola continued to live in Morris until 2005, when she moved to an assisted living facility in Alexandria. Viola most recently resided at the Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria, where she lived until the time of her death

Viola was a member of First Lutheran Church in Morris, where she was active with the funeral committee and the altar committee. She enjoyed gardening, cooking and making quilts. She especially enjoyed the time she spent with her family.

Viola died on Monday, September 27, 2010 at the Knute Nelson Memorial Home in Alexandria, MN, having lived to reach the age of 95 years.

She is survived by three children: Elrene (Alden) Rosell of Alexandria, Roger (Susan) Thompson of Brooklyn Center and Lowell (Clara) Thompson of Wimauma, FL; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; her son: Howard; her parents; twin sister: Leona Retzlaff; sisters: Gladys Retzlaff and Alfreda McDowell and brothers: Ralph Retzlaff, Roy Retzlaff and Walter Retzlaff.

Pallbearers for the service are: Joe Ehlen, Brian Thompson, Stanley Harstad, Darold Thompson, Karl Retzlaff and Roland Retzlaff. Karl Retzlaff will serve as pianist for the service with Jere Solvie serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.