Obituary of Angeline "Angie" LaVerne Thompson

          Angeline (Angie) L. Thompson of Elk River, died on Tuesday December 25, 2018 at Guardian Angels, Engel Haus at the age of 94.

          She was born August 18, 1924 to Julius and Ida Kastendick in rural Elk River, MN.  Along with her 7 siblings, Angie learned the importance of hard work from her parents during her upbringing on a small farm. She graduated from Elk River High School in 1942.

          The majority of Angie’s working years were spent employed as an ammunition charger at Federal Cartridge in Anoka, MN. She retired at the age of 59 in 1983.

          Angie met her future husband Howard” Bud” while working for Walter Thompson on his vegetable farm. In 1955, the couple eloped to Norwood, Iowa to be married. Bud and Angie made their home in Elk River, where they were blessed with a daughter, Tammy Jo, in 1966.

          Angie was actively involved in numerous clubs and organizations within her community. Volunteering her time and talents with the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, the Red Cross Blood Drive, Guardian Angels Care Center, the Elk River Lionesses, and in various capacities at St. John Lutheran Church was how Angie served others best.

          Angie most valued the time she could spend with family and friends. After her husband’s death in 1977, she continued her life’s greatest venture in raising their daughter Tammy on her own. Those who knew Angie well would agree that independence was one of her most noticeable characteristics that aged with her.  Her three grandchildren would become her greatest joy throughout her retirement. Angie provided her family members and grandchildren with experiences that helped them learn to put others before themselves.

          Angie continued to live in her Elk River home until 2016. Due to declining health, Angie moved to Guardian Angels Engel Haus in Albertville where she was provided with the best care in her final years of life. The examples she set for others through her hard work ethic, countless hours of volunteering, and caring gestures toward those she loved are what made Angie so special.

          She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Tammy and Doug Kolles of Monticello; 3 grandchildren Spencer Kolles of Eagle Lake, McKenzie (Eric) Gregory of Buffalo, and Blake (Amanda) Kolles of Buffalo; 2 great grandchildren Garritt and Hank Gregory; brother Allan (Joan) Kastendick; sister-in-law Lois Thompson; and many nieces and nephews.

          Angie is preceded in death by her husband Bud, her parents Julius and Ida, and sisters Gertrude Herrboldt, Delrose Froelich, Verona Hipsag, Madalyn Moos, Leona Holzem, and Donna Johnson.

          Angie’s family expresses their sincere thanks for the phenomenal care provided by all staff at Guardian Angels Engel Haus and Guardian Angels + Elim Hospice.

          Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Monday, December 31, 2018 at St. John Lutheran Church, 9231 Viking Blvd NW, Elk River with Reverend Eric Voight officiating. Visitation will be held at from 4 to 7pm on Sunday, December 30, 2018 AT THE CHURCH and one hour prior to the service on Monday.  Interment will be in Orono Cemetery, Elk River, MN.