Miss Laura Thompson Is Called to Rest

The entire community was shocked and grieved to hear of the sudden death of Miss Laura Thompson on Saturday morning, February 21. Although she had suffered a slight stroke several weeks ago she apparently had recovered and was going about her usual duties and interests. Indisposed with a severe cold, she had remained in bed on Saturday morning upon the doctor's advice. As she was sleeping, the close of her earthly life came quickly and peacefully. The cause of her death was heart failure.

Miss Thompson was born November 29, 1872, at Dakota City, Iowa. She was the sixth and youngest child of William and Emma Thompson, who were pioneers, taking a prominent part in the building of the community and church in Humboldt county, Iowa. Her early years were spent at Humboldt, Iowa.

She attended college in Des Moines, Iowa, and obtained a good musical education, fitting herself to be a music teacher. She was talented in the art of painting and drawing as well as in music. For a time she also taught in the public schools.

In 1909, she, with her parents, moved to Shakopee, Minn. Then three years later, they settled in Madelia, where she cared for her parents in their last years. Her mother passed away June 30, 1917, and her father two years later in December. Two brothers and a sister also preceded her in death.

Surviving Miss Thompson are the following relatives: one brother, Wiley Thompson, Grand Junction, Colorado; one sister, Mrs. Elmer Olmsted, Ayrshire, Iowa; four nephews and eight nieces.

In addition to her music teaching and duties in her home, Miss Thompson was a great worker in the W.C.T.U., joining the local union when she came to Madelia in 1912. She was district president of this organization and also worked as a state organizer for several years. All her life she has been a devoted member and worker in church and Sunday school activities. In 1916 she joined Sorosis, where she was a capable and valued member. Members of Sorosis and the W.C.T.U. attended her funeral in a body.

She was apparently a very interesting woman, having worked as an artist and newspaper reporter, and as an active leader of the Minnesota Women Christian's Temperance Union.