Donna Lee Tompkins – Jan 30, 2021

Donna was born January 21, 1934, in Jamestown, to Lawrence and Hannah (Westby) Stoehr. She was raised in the house that her dad built, educated in Jamestown, and graduated in 1952. She worked in medical records and as a receptionist/ bookkeeper at Jamestown Hospital for four years, then part time until 1963. She met Gilford Tompkins, a young farmer from Pingree, at a dance in Eldridge; they dated for two years and married November 8, 1954 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Jamestown. They were blessed with five children and raised them on their farm near Pingree. Donna was gracious and kind, and always considered others before herself. She will be remembered for her good cooking, baking, and being a wonderful hostess for family, friends, neighbors and her high school reunion guests. Donna was an avid gardener, growing abundant vegetables for canning and meals. Her yard and flower gardens were beautiful. Mowing her huge yard with the riding lawn mower gave her much joy. She loved animals and always had cats and often a dog living with her. Along with her husband, Gil, she was a great supporter of her children’s school and sporting activities. Later on, she followed her grandchildren and their activities. Donna was involved with Young Mothers’ Club and hosted Nertz and Whist parties and gatherings of family and friends. Donna and Gil planned annual vacations with their children. Medora was a favorite destination, which often included family friends. When Gil passed away unexpectedly in 1984, Donna stayed on the farm, taking over his duties of Atmospheric Weather Observer for 23 more years. She also kept yearly personal journals which were great resources for the year’s planting and harvesting.

She enjoyed her twenty-three years as a waitress at the Pingree Community Cafe. She kept busy being clerk/bookkeeper for Plainview Township and secretary/treasurer for Pingree Heritage Organization and Pingree WELCA. Donna faithfully attended Pingree Lutheran Church for fifty-five years and provided countless Christmas goodies for their annual Christmas Teas, as well as being a part of the church choir. Travels with dear friends were enjoyed with trips to Medora and various ND and US destinations. Due to health issues, Donna moved to the Heritage Centre in 2009 where she made new friends and rekindled friendships. She loved the staff and took part in many trips and activities. She kept up with family and friends through Facebook on her iPad, enjoyed crossword puzzles, collected recipes, watched Hallmark movies and visited with the neighbors and staff.

Being a mother of twin boys, Mike and Mitch, Donna was especially tickled when twin great-granddaughters were born April, 2019 to Mitch’s daughter, Michelle and husband, Josh. She remembered each of her children’s and grandchildren’s birthdays and anniversaries, and sent cards and treats for the holidays. She made every holiday gathering special. When the coronavirus pandemic forced her to stay in her apartment, she stayed positive, but in June of 2020, she fell, had back surgery and then moved into Ave Maria Village. Donna was extremely appreciative, grateful, kind and caring to all that worked with her there. She will be deeply missed.

Grateful and blessed with a mother so loving are her children: Steve (Deb) Tompkins, Jamestown, Patti (Bill) Lawson, Riverdale, ND, Todd Tompkins (Kelly Smith) Jamestown, Mike Tompkins (Lois Guthmiller) Pingree, and Mitch (Bobbi) Tompkins, Milnor, ND. She is also survived by her twelve grandchildren whom she loved very much: Jill (Jason) Thompson, Sarah (Levi) Gienger, Jenna Lawson (Nate Finneman), Melissa (Brody) Brandt, Rebecca (Trevor) Martinson, Megan (Brandon) Wilson, Ben Tompkins (Jessica Jacobson), Brandon Tompkins, Alex Tompkins; Michelle (Josh) Haberer, Paige Tompkins (Frank Peeters), Karli (Jake) Wherley, and her nineteen great-grandchildren (and one on the way) whom she truly loved to be with. Donna is also survived by her dear sister, Carol Weber, Jamestown; sister-in-law, Tressa Tompkins, Erhard, MN; brother-in-law, Loyal Tompkins, Jamestown, brother-in-law, Edwin (Kathy) Tompkins, Jacksonville, FL and her many special nieces and nephews, their families, and her cousins.

She will be greeted in Heaven by her loving husband, Gilford; her parents: Lawrence and Hannah Stoehr; infant sister, Dorothy Stoehr; brother, Larry Stoehr; sister, Betty Drost, brother-in-law, Marty Drost; mother and father-in-law, Tenora (Knutson) and Raye Tompkins; brothers-in-law, Bob Weber and Gene Tompkins and sister-in-law, Rhonda

Tompkins.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to James River Humane Society, Ave Maria Village Private Room Campaign, Pingree Cemetery or Pingree Café.

Find joy in each day and be kind.

Visitation: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, 2020 at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown.

Prayer Service: 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 2, 2020 at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown.

Funeral Service: 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at Pingree Lutheran Church, Pingree with pastor Candyce Wick officiating.

Burial: Pingree Cemetery, Pingree, ND.