Jeanne Thompson Obituary

Services for Jeanne Thompson, 91, of Knoxville, will be held Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Knoxville. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. Family will receive friends on Monday, July 7th from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Knoxville. Memorials may be made to EveryStep Hospice.
Jeanne was born on March 20, 1934, in Rugby, North Dakota, and raised in the surrounding area. She graduated high school in 1952 and not long after, caught the eye of a young man named Gordon Thompson. Gordon would wait outside the movie theater ticket booth just for a chance to talk with her. Their romance blossomed, and they were married on May 31, 1953, in Rolette, North Dakota. Together, they were blessed with two children: Lisa and Greg.
Gordon's career with Contel Telephone meant frequent moves across the country. Through it all, Jeanne and Gordon's love for each other held the family together. A natural beauty with a flair for style, Jeanne was a licensed cosmetologist who opened her own salon in their home after moving to Knoxville in 1972. She loved helping others look their best and developed lasting friendships with many of her clients.
Later, Jeanne pursued a second career in nursing, earning her degree from Indian Hills Community College. She worked for many years at the Knoxville VA, where her kindness and compassion left a lasting impression.
Above all, Jeanne was devoted to her family. She found her greatest joy in being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Known for her homemade chocolate chip cookies, birthday cakes, and made-to-order family dinners, Jeanne's home was a place of warmth, laughter, and love.
She had a quick wit and a strong, spirited personality-never afraid to speak her mind, but always welcoming. Jeanne loved her flowers, music, dancing (even if Gordon didn't), and special outings with her granddaughters to see plays and musicals.
Jeanne passed away peacefully at home on July 2, 2025, surrounded by those she loved. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and generosity.
She will be deeply missed by her husband of 72 years, Gordon Thompson; her children: Lisa (Don) Heaton and Greg (Jean) Thompson; grandchildren: Melissa (Mike) Spray, Jacob (Ashley) Heaton, and Nathan (Kim) Wildebuer; great-grandchildren: Emily (Dylan), Rachael (Sammy), Haiden, Luke, Rylee, Carson, Owen, Aiden, Leora, Esther, Hudson, and Benny; great-great-grandchildren: Emalyn and Colson; her brothers: Dale and Ronnie Smutzler; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.
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