Grace R. Thompson

Sunday, September 2, 1928
Date of Death:
Monday, November 3, 2014
Age:
86 years old
Grace R. Thompson
Grace R. Thompson, 86, of Rochester, MN, died Monday, November 3, 2014 at Olmsted Community Hospital.
Grace was born September 2, 1928, in Rochester to Bennett and Mae Whynaucht. On June 1, 1947 she married Eugene Edward Thompson. They had four children, Sandy, Janice, Jeff and Lori.
Grace worked at the Kahler Hotel Coffee shop, the Town House, and the Holiday Inn South. In 1984, she bought the Broadway Café where she operated it for 10 years. For the last 24 years, Grace worked for her son as a secretary at the Thompson Law Office.
Grace was a people person, with a wonderful, kind heart. If you ever met her, she would never forget you; she had an amazing memory. She was a hard worker and was happiest when she was busy. She loved to cook and bake, enjoyed watching Hallmark movies and Family Feud, visiting with her friends and especially spending times with her family. She was always proud of her four children, 10 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren who brought her so much joy!
Grace is survived by son, Jeff Thompson (Cyndy), daughters, Sandy Nelson (Jerry Christensen), Janice Gates, (Terry), and Lori Lhotka, (Dale), five grandsons, Brandon Nelson, Justin Gates, Andrew, Jonathan, and Michael Thompson, four granddaughters, Courtney Kelley (Brian), Christina Thompson, Alicia and Hayley Lhotka, two great grandchildren, Benjamin Kelley and Brenna Grace Nelson, step children, Alan and Randy Batzel, Debra Bandy, Julie Whitcomb, “adopted daughter” Jane Batterson, sister-in-laws, Jeanne and Elaine Whynaucht, and brother-in-law, Lowell Thompson (Eunice).
Grace was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her five brothers, Herbert, Murray, Chesley, Cecil, and Everett Whynaucht, grandson Christopher Nelson and stepson Dale Batzel.
A funeral service will be held at the River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home, Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 11:00AM with the Rev. Martha Hendricks of Christ United Methodist Church officiating. Visitation will be one hour in advance of the service. Mausoleum interment will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens.
Condolences
The family of Grace R. Thompson has received the following condolences.
Dear Sandy, Janice, Lori and Jeff
You were all blessed with such a wonderful Mother and we are so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is to lose our Mom's. She was such a kind person, always with a smile on her face. We remember her from the Broadway Café where we had breakfasts on Sunday mornings. She would always take the time to sit and talk with us. Dana knew her and all of you, from when he was very young growing up--she was very special to him. I know that you all have wonderful memories from all the time she was with you. She will be deeply missed.
In love and friendship,
Nancee and Dana
My deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother, Grace. My prayers are with you during what I know is a difficult time for the family. I remember Grace as a fun loving woman with a big heart. Very beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed. Beth Thompson
Dear Jeff and family,
We are so sad that Grace won't be here with us anymore. But we believe she is no longer in pain and is in a better place. She was so special to us. She always had something good to say and always had a hug. We will miss making her special fun meals and visiting with her. She loved going to work with Jeff and loved visiting with all the people. She will be missed.
Oh Janice and Lori, Sandy and Jeff,
We are so sad to hear of your mom's death. She was always so upbeat and smiley whenever she saw me.
I remember her coming in AAA Travel or at the restaurant and she always made a special effort to say
"hi" or give a kind word. I see where you kids get many of your traits and that's a compliment to your mom!
Think of the many, many good times with her and maybe that will help your grief at this time.
(I am smiling as I write this, just thinking of her!)
Your friends (and former workmates),
Terry and Ellie Sveine
904 North Minnesota
New Ulm, MN 56073
Jeff and family,
Our deepest sympathy to you all at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Dave and Donna
Sandy, Janice, Jeff, Lori. " When you lose someone you love, you gain an angel you know."
Amazing Grace, you were my friend/sister/#2mother. Your were a wise hardworking women with so many great qualities. I will miss you.
Lori, Jeff, Janice & Sandy
I am deeply saddened by the news of your Mom Grace's passing. I pray God will grant you the strength needed to get through this moment in your lives. My most sincere condolences.
Sending our condolences on Graces death. So sorry and surprised to read of it in the paper. She will be missed by many. Our sympathies to the family. May you take comfort in all your fond memories. Tom and Sandy Shanahan
Roger and I are very sorry for the loss of your beloved Mother/Grandmother.
Brenna will miss not having her great grandma whose middle name she shares.
God Bless you; Brandon and Sandy.
Jocelyn and Roger
Lori, Janice, Sandy, and Jeff - So sorry for your loss of your Mom. Grace was so kind to all of us that came in and out of her home during our high school years, always willing to open the pool to us, and some of those goodies that she shared. It was always fun to catch up with her as I got older. So sorry that I won't be able to see you all at the services; I'm in Arizona for work and won't be back in time. Know that my thoughts are with you all.
Deb Gjere (Wehrs)
I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Thompson Family. Grace and Lori were a big part of my life while I was going thru college. They took me into their home for several months. I will never forget Grace and yes..Grace was a perfect name for her. She was full of life and laughter. Our Lord has another wonderful angel in Heaven.
Sandy--I am so sorry about your MOM. She was a beautiful and wonderful lady. I remember her from way back when -- I worked at Melody Park drive in -- Summers I would see her there. Most of the time you and one of your sisters or Jane would come down. But I just remember meeting your Mom over the years and she was always so friendly and made me feel special whenever I saw her. What a great and sweet lady. I am sure she made a positive impression on everyone she met over the years. It is difficult losing a Mom I know. The sadness you feel now will turn to all of the sweet memories and put a smile on your face....in time!! Please know we are thinking of you and your family and siblings at this time. Please give our sympathies to everyone in your family. Dave knows Jeff and he felt sorry to hear about your Mom too. He remembers her as the wonderful lady that she was!!
Our friendship....Pat and Dave
We (Charles, Alex) and I will miss you terribly. You were the sister I never had and likewise. We loved you so much, will miss our hour long conversations. We will miss our long visits sitting on the porch when we would come visit you. Charles says he'll miss bar-b-queing your chicken legs you loved so much. And we will miss the Ranch Restaurant where we would go and pig out on Pizza (yum yum). Too, too many happy memories. We LOVE you, Grace. My Dad, Herbert Whynaucht, your brother will be welcoming you with open arms.
Grace was a mentor and a dear friend. She was definitely "old school." By that, I mean hardworking, loyal, selfless, a non-complainer, a defender of the underdog, and a proud American, among many other great qualities. She was also very wise, and I learned much about human nature and how to treat people from her in her very low key, civilized way. I also got some good tips about dating, but even Grace couldn't help me there. I know her family was by far the most important thing to her in this world. Unfortunately, Americans like Grace are rapidly vanishing from our country. We may never see their likes again.
I will miss Grace so very much! I got really close to Grace in the 6 years I have been dating Brandon. I am lucky to have met such a kind hearted wonderful person! Brenna was lucky to have her as a part of her life as well! Love and miss you dearly!