To view a livestream of the service access https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas
Russell Thompson, 57, Granville, formerly of Denbigh, died Sunday, July 7, 2024, in a Minot hospital, surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Russell was born June 26, 1967, in Rugby, ND to Thomas ‘Bud’ and Darla (Kuhnhenn) Thompson. During his youth, he made many fond memories with “Little Britches Rodeos,” finding his passion for horses, alongside his loving parents and family friends.
He graduated from Towner High School, Class of 1985. He attended the ND State School of Science in Wahpeton and later returned home to Denbigh. There he took the reins of the third-generation family ranch, raising cattle and quarter horses. He was also employed by the ND Stockmen’s Association as a brand inspector.
Russell married the love of his life Karla Sutter on July 3, 1992, in Minot, ND. They made their home in Denbigh and were blessed with two daughters and a son. He was so proud of his family and the life that they created.
Russell applied his skills learned on the ranch to the oil field in 2008. He worked tirelessly, starting out as a “worm,” working up to a derrick hand, and finally a driller. He left the industry in 2017 for his third and current career with the railroad, working for Burlington Northern Santa Fe as a carman.
Russell was a member of the Granville’s Hope Congregational Church and FFA Alumni Association, along with the Stockmen’s Association, the Brotherhood of Railway Carmen, and the National Rifle Association. He was a prankster who enjoyed an ice-cold beer and a razor-sharp knife. Hunting filled some of his days off, and he especially enjoyed the gopher hunts with his grandson. He will be remembered for his tough skin, tender heart, and his iconic mustache.
Russell is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Karla Thompson, Granville, ND; children Hadley (Tate) Magilke, Denbigh, ND, Harleigh (Spencer) Adolphson, Granville, ND and Ryder Thompson, Hazen, ND; grandchildren Britt and Coulee Magilke, and Olivia Adolphson; mother Darla Thompson, Towner, ND; sister Lori (Don) Ganje, Towner, ND; father-in-law Allen ‘Alley’ Sutter, Minot; brother-in-law Stacy (Vickie) Sutter, Minot along with nieces and nephews Bethany (Travis) Smette, Blaine Ganje (McKenzie Lundy), Logan (MaCartney Hamel) Sutter and Megan Sutter.
Russell was preceded in death by his father Bud Thompson and mother-in-law Karen Sutter.
Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at First Lutheran Church in Granville, ND. To view a livestream of the service access https://www.mtmsales.net/thomas
Visitation: Monday, July 15, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to the Roger Maris Cancer Center.
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