Rhea Thompson, age 85 of Becker passed away on June 6. Rhea was born in Holdingford, to William and Mary Epsky. Shortly after, she and her family moved to a farm near Clarissa. Rhea’s academic lessons were learned in a one-room country school close to home. While growing up on the farm, she developed a strong sense of drive and determination, as well as the deep connection to nature.

 

Rhea attended St Cloud State where she majored in Elementary Education. After receiving her degree, she taught in a number of schools around the upper Midwest. Eventually, she found her “Home” with the Hopkins School District where she taught 4-6th grades. It was her ideal job where she truly loved her career, her colleagues and especially her students. She won a “Teacher of the Year” award for teaching excellence. However, equally rewarding was the fact that, throughout her life, former students connected with her and told Rhea how much they enjoyed having her as a teacher.

 

On March 3, 1978, Rhea married Conway Thompson. As her step-son-in-law said “Rhea went from being single to being a grandma in five minutes.” Rhea was thrilled!

 

Conway introduced Rhea to golf and whether playing or just riding along, she thoroughly enjoyed her time outdoors on the many golf courses that they visited. For many years, when winter came, they would head to Florida or Texas where they could continue golfing and appreciate the outdoors.

 

Rhea always had a passion for animals, however she had a special place in her heart for birds. For years, she and Conway operated a bluebird trail at the Pebble Creek Golf Course near their home. They recorded how many eggs were laid and counted the number of bluebirds fledged. At home, she kept feeders full of seed, nectar, and meal worms so her feathered friends would be well fed.

 

She had a great sense of humor and an eternal optimism that put people at ease. She always had the perfect greeting card that would bring a smile or an appropriate quote or other encouragement that would bring comfort in tough times. She will be missed.

 

Rhea is survived by step children, Wendy (Glenn) Smith, Heidi (Tracy) Broin, Bruce Thompson; grandchildren, Eric (Kim) Smith, Amber (Raymond) Bonte, Bradley Thompson; great grandchildren, Vincent Smith, Sophia Smith, Luke Bonte, Zachary Bonte, Holly Bonte, Alivia Bonte and Taylor Mills; sister-in-law, Arlie Epsky; nephew, Doug (Janet) Epsky; nieces, Mary Claire Epsky, Barbara (Gary) Polesky, Marilyn Epsky, Nancy Epsky.

 

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Conway Thompson; brothers, Raymond Epsky, Edward Epsky; sisters, Helen Epsky, Lorraine Berg; and granddaughter, Brooke Thompson.

 

Memorial services will be held June 26 at 2 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, Becker, with visitation 1 hour prior to the service. Arrangements have been entrusted to Williams Dingmann Family Funeral Home, Becker.

 

Memorials are preferred to CentraCare Hospice, Faith in Action or Quiet Oaks Hospice House.

 

Obituary, guestbook and video tribute available online: www.williamsdingmann.com.