Jacqueline Lee “Jackie” Thompson, 74, died in her home in Decorah, Iowa, on Jan. 15, 2022, after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

Funeral Services were held Jan. 21, 2022, at Decorah Lutheran Church with Rev. Peter Kowitz ’98 officiating. Burial was in the Lutheran Cemetery in Decorah.

Jackie was born on Aug. 24, 1947, in New Ulm, Minn., the daughter of Otto and Bertha (Radeunz) Borchert. She was raised in New Ulm and graduated from high school in 1965.

After marrying Larry Thompson ‘66, Jackie moved to Decorah, Iowa, in 1970. While raising three children, she graduated with honors and a bachelor’s degree in English and Education from Luther College.

Jackie enjoyed spending time with her family, and their dogs.  In her free time, Jackie’s hobbies included cooking, reading, traveling, fishing, spending time outdoors, feeding the wild birds, and any trivia challenge she could find.  She was one of those people who always enjoyed learning new things.  She passed this love of learning on to her three children as well as the many students with whom she got to work over the years.

Jackie is survived by her husband of 51 years, Larry Thompson ‘66; their daughter, Jody Thompson ‘99; their two sons, Lance Thompson and Mitchell (Christina) Thompson; and Jackie’s five grandchildren: Louden, Luke, Vivian, Vanna, and Lathem.  She is also survived by her sisters, Joan Schwake, Judy Class, and Joyce Wilking.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Otto and Bertha Borchert.