Ordean H. Thompson, 85

Ordean H. Thompson, age 85, of East Grand Forks, MN, passed away on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at the Transitional Care Unit of Valley Senior Living on Columbia in Grand Forks, ND.

Ordean was born June 21, 1938 in Grand Forks, ND to Oscar and Marie (Peterson) Thompson. He grew up in East Grand Forks and graduated from East Grand Forks Central High School in 1956. While in school he participated in football, basketball, chorus and was a soloist. He was selected Honor Athlete of the Year in 1956. He attended Concordia College before becoming a career farmer, raising sugar beets and certified grain. On August 22, 1959 Ordean married Carol Shol at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church of East Grand Forks. They made there home at the farm near East Grand Forks and were blessed with two sons, David and Kevin. Ordean was elected to the I.S.D. 595 School Board for nine 3-year terms for a total of 27 years, including eight as Chairman. During his tenure on the board, he served with 19 different directors and three different Superintendents. Ordean was named as Outstanding School Board Member by the Minnesota School Board Association in 1984. He is a charter member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and had been a Senior Choir member for 55 years. He was a King Agassiz Candidate representing West Polk County and was appointed Director of East Grand Forks 1st National Bank. Ordean was a Governor-appointed member of the Minnesota State Advisory Council for Vocational Education.

Ordean is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Carol Thompson of East Grand Forks; sons David (Jill) Thompson and Kevin Thompson of all East Grand Forks; grandchildren Neil, Kyle, Kayla and Jadyn Thompson all of East Grand Forks, MN; sister Marlene Nelson of Roseau, MN; and four nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant sister; brother-in-law, Wayne Nelson; and mother-in-law, Geraldine Shol.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, East Grand Forks, MN or to the donors choice.

FUNERAL SERVICE: 2:00 PM, Monday, December 11, 2023 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church 1515 5th Ave. NW, East Grand Forks, MN 56721. Funeral service will be live-streamed at the Dahl Funeral Home Website.

VISITATION: 12:00-2:00 PM Monday also at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church

INTERMENT: Resurrection Cemetery-East Grand Forks, Minnesota

Online Guestbook: www.dandahlfuneralhome.com

Arrangements By: Dahl Funeral Home, East Grand Forks, MN