Juanita Thompson, age 75, of Twin Valley, MN, died suddenly, Saturday, October 28, 2006, at the Mahnomen Health Center Hospital in Mahnomen, MN.

Juanita Claire Aasgaard was born May 29, 1931, to Lawrence and Hannah (Albertson) Aasgaard, at home in Home Lake Township, MN, where she grew up. She attended country school near there and later Twin Valley High School. She was baptized and confirmed in her Lutheran faith at Wild Rice Lutheran Church, rural Twin Valley. On October 31, 1948, Juanita was united in marriage to Clayton Thompson at the Wild Rice Lutheran Church. The couple first lived in Dent, MN, until 1949, when they purchased a farm near Ulen, MN. They farmed small grain and dairy cattle for several years. In 1966, Juanita and Clayton moved to a farm north of Twin Valley. At this time, they became members of the Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley. Along with helping Clayton on the farm, Juanita also began working at the Twin Valley Retirement Center. She later transferred to the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home where she worked as a Nurses Aide. After diligently working and studying, Juanita became a Certified Medication Aide in 1973. With this training, she continued to be employed with the Lutheran Memorial Nursing Home for over 30 years. Clayton passed away on August 22, 1994, and Juanita continued to live on the farm. In October of 2003, she moved into the Valley Pines apartments in Twin Valley where she continued to make her home.

Juanita had a heart of gold and loved everyone around her. She cherished all of her dear friends with whom she shared many happy times and cared for very much. She greatly enjoyed her career and her abilities to help people. Her generous spirit was evident to all who knew her. Juanita was active in the Zion Lutheran Church where she served on various circles, committees, and the altar guild. Juanita was a talented quilter and participated in many of the activities at the Valley Pines. She treasured each of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, and made many fond memories for each of them to hold dear.

She is survived by two sons, Clayton Jr. (Kathy) of West Fargo, ND, and Kevin of Hopkins, MN; four daughters, Wanda (John Holmgren) Asleson of West Fargo, Lynelle (Don) Slininger of Mahnomen, MN, Vicki (Tim) Hurlburt of Walker, MN, and Kelly (Rob) Sauer of Holland, MI; a daughter-in-law, Janet Thompson of Barnesville; one brother, Laurel (Jeanniane) Aasgaard of Detroit Lakes, MN; and one sister, Juliette Urdahl of Ulen, MN; 20 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Juanita was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Clayton; her son, Loren Kraig; one son-in-law, Rickie Asleson; one brother, Milton Aasgaard; one sister, Alice Laport, two infant sisters; and one grandson, Mitchell Slininger.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM on November 3, 2006 at Zion Lutheran Church in Twin Valley, with Pastor Charles Bade officiating. Danette Gwin will serve as organist, with special music provided by her son, Clayton Jr., and her grandchildren. Serving as pallbearers will be her loving grandchildren. Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 2, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, with a Prayer Service at 7:00 PM, all at the Anderson Funeral Home. Interment will take place at Wild Rice Cemetery, rural Twin Valley.