Lois J. Thompson, 86

After a short illness, Lois J. Thompson, 86, passed away on Jan. 17, 2016, at her home in Bigfork.

Lois was born on Sept. 1, 1929, to K. Martin Thompson and Myrtle Johnson Thompson in Phelps, Wisconsin, where her father farmed, sold real estate and ran a lumber yard. She learned to drive at age 12 and was trusted with tractors and lumber trucks by age 14. She graduated from high school in Eagle River, Wisconsin, and received a bachelor’s degree in biology from St. Olaf College.

After working as a medical technician at Mayo Clinic, she made her career as an insurance underwriter with Wausau Insurance and Willis, Corroon & Black. She lived in Wisconsin, New York, Georgia, Hawaii and California before retiring to Montana in 1993.

Lois loved the outdoors — fishing, hiking, skiing, swimming and horseback riding. She was an avid golfer; last summer she was still playing 18 holes once a week. She traveled extensively, visiting Europe, Canada, Mexico, Alaska and many of the Lower 48 states.

Lois’ nieces and nephews remember her as an exciting and indulgent aunt. She followed their lives and those of their children with interest. Her many friends will remember her business acuity, jokes, whistling, love of gadgets, excellent cooking and enjoyment of delicious food and beverages.

A memorial service will be held on Sept. 1 at Bethany Lutheran Church in Bigfork. Her ashes will be scattered at Big Twin Lake in Wisconsin in October.

Notes of condolence can be sent to Lorre Trytten, 60 W. Pelican St. Unit 307, Naples, Florida 34113.

In memory of Lois, donations may be made to Bigfork Food Bank, Bigfork Quick Response Unit or St. Olaf College.

Notes of condolence to the family may also be sent online at www.buffalohillfh.com. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.