Jean L. Germolus, 94, Fargo, ND, formerly of Ada, MN, died Saturday, April 18, 2020, at Bethany on 42nd, in Fargo. Jean LaVern Thompson was born November 25, 1925 to Janet "Nettie" (Erickson) and Henry "Hank" Thompson near Twin Valley, MN. As the oldest of six children, she grew up helping raise children, cooking, gardening and tending to the family farm. Jean worked very hard since childhood; caring for grandparents, nursing assistant at the Ada Hospital, harvest work for extended family, and harvest work.

While babysitting for her aunt and uncle as a teenager, she met the love of her life. She and Leonard "Bud" Germolus were married on December 13, 1947, and made their first home in International Falls, MN, where they welcomed their first child, Rick.

Bud found employment in Ada, so they were able to move back to the home area. Bud and his father built a little house in Ada, where they welcomed their daughter, DeAyn. Bud began farming and Jean flourished as a farm wife. She thoroughly loved cooking, gardening and helping with the farm work. Bud loved to take Jeannie out dancing on Saturday nights. Being back home meant she could spend more time with her mother and siblings. She and Bud helped raise their grandchildren, Bobbi and Dusty, who were the light of their lives. Bud passed away too early, but she continued on. Family was the very most important part of her life. She cherished time with her siblings, nieces and nephews, children, and grandchildren.

Jean moved to Dilworth to be closer to her family. She loved spending time with family, spoiling children, caring for pets, and her pride and joy, flower gardening. She was a very kind person who found the good in people.

After suffering a stroke in 2015, Jean lived at Eventide in Moorhead, then Bethany on 42nd, where her niece, Misty, took very good care of her. Even though her memory declined, Jean still loved visiting with everyone and felt very at home there, thanks to the wonderful staff.

Jean is survived by her son Rick; granddaughter, Bobbi; grandson, Dustin; great-grandchildren, Nathan, Cameron, Kingsley, Amy, Corey and Vivian; her loving sister, Nancy; nephew, Lanny; niece, Misty; great-niece, Kiara, who spent endless hours with her and caring for her in her last years; multiple nieces and nephews; and great-nieces and great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Janetta (Nettie) and Henry Thompson; brothers, Ernie, Bob, Howard and Ronnie; husband, Bud; and daughter, DeAyn.

Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, a memorial service is planned for May 2021. Interment will be Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 3:00 PM, at the Ada City Cemetery, observing virus requirements.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or gifts, please make donations to the ASPCA or animal shelter of your choice.

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