Joan Joyce Thompson

Joan “Jo-An” Thompson, 87, of Barnum, MN and Apache Junction, AZ passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 30th, 2021. She was born January 27, 1934 in Barnum Minnesota to Helen and Edward Simpson where she lived her life until they became snowbirds in 2012 spending winters in Arizona

Joan married her high school sweetheart Roger; they had two children, daughter Pattie Larson and son Bruce Thompson. Joan enjoyed sewing, crafting, gardening, camping, traveling, and snowmobiling.

Joan was well-loved in her small town and was devoted to her community. Joan retired as a loan officer at Moose Lake First National. Roger and Joan supported Barnum high school athletics by attending many games throughout the years and funded annual Thompson family scholarships. She was a member of Barnum Methodist church where she faithfully served for many years. Joan continued to enjoy Sunday services and Wednesday bible study virtually while living in Arizona. Joan was creative - enjoyed crafts and sewing including many clothes for her granddaughters!

Joan embodied home is where the heart is and welcomed everyone in. She enjoyed hosting and visiting with family & friends. Her Barnum lake home holds many memories and even in her later years really enjoyed watching her grandkids and great grandchildren play at the lake.

Loving and dedicated mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, sister-in-law, cousin and friend to many. She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Helen Simpson; Roger's parents Chester and Helen Thompson; her husband of 67 years, Roger; a brother Bob Simpson; sister-in-law Loretta Simpson; brother-in-law Charles Thompson; sister-in-law Teri Thompson, daughter-in-law Vickie Thompson and granddaughter Megan Larson.

She is survived by her daughter Pattie (Bob) Larson, son Bruce Thompson, Grandchildren Ryan (Anna-Lisa) Larson, Elizabeth Larson, Brian (Margie) Thompson, and Michelle (Eric) Nilsson, Great-Grandchildren Annika and Nora Larson, Brennan, Alaina, and Luke Nilsson; special friends Robin and Lou Paulson; special nieces and nephews; many cousins; and a host of friends.

While the family grieves her loss, they are choosing to remember Joan in a way that honors her spirit. The Celebration of Life service will be at Barnum Community Methodist church next summer on July 16th. Family will also plant a memorial tree at this time. All friends and family invited.

Donations may be made in Joan's memory to the Barnum United Methodist Church or to Barnum Dollars for Scholars for the Roger Thompson Scholarship Fund.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mariposagardens.com for the Thompson family.