Colleen “Coke” Louise Thompson, 66, of Crookston, MN, passed away at her home Saturday afternoon, January 27, 2024, comforted by the love of her family and friends.
Coke, as she was affectionately known for most of her life, was born in Minneapolis, MN, on July 24, 1957, the daughter of James D. and Louise (Moore) Thompson. She grew up in a loving home in the nearby suburb of Chanhassen, together with her 3 brothers, Steve, Doug, and Jim and sister, Joan. Sadly, her sister, Nancee, died as an infant. After graduating from Chaska High School in 1975, Coke moved to Crookston, where she obtained an Associate’s Degree in Accounting in 1977 from the University of Minnesota-Crookston. While at UMC, she was a star athlete in volleyball, basketball, and fast-pitch softball, playing on the first Women’s teams in school history, thanks to Title IX. Her accomplishments resulted in the award as UMC Athlete of the Year. Coke would later enroll at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Physical Education. In 1980, she entered the Sisters of St. Joseph and was with them until 1983. Upon leaving the convent, she continued to work with the Sisters and enjoyed their friendship. Coke began teaching at Cathedral Elementary School in 1987 as the 3rd grade teacher. During that time, she served the School for one year as Principal. After a very rewarding 28-year career in education and faith formation, Coke retired in 2015. On November 28, 2015, Coke was united in marriage to Deborah Huot in a ceremony held at Two Harbors, MN, on the shores of Lake Superior. Coke then established her business, Barn Wood Designs.
Coke loved working in her shop and doing outdoor projects. Coke enjoyed golfing, taking road trips, biking, and spending time with family and friends. And from time to time taking a short jaunt to the Casino!
Coke’s greatest joy was sharing her faith with her students and teaching them about God. Coke’s life was filled with many examples of loving God and loving her neighbor.
Coke will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by Deb; 4 siblings and their spouses: Steve, (Debbie Jo) Thompson of Park Rapids, MN, Doug, (Bev) Thompson of Prior Lake, MN, Jim “Yo”, (Stu) Thompson of Page, AZ, and Joan (Steve) Meyerson of Clearwater, FL; and from Deb’s family: Donald, (Mary) Huot of Cold Spring, MN, Diane, (Al) Shervold of Grand Forks, ND, Kathy Huot of Grand Forks, ND, Mike, (Lynnette) Huot of Cass Lake, MN, Marcie Huot of Leesburg, FL, Rod, (Michelle Olson) Huot of Thompson, ND, sisters-in-law, Rhonda Huot of East Grand Forks, MN, and Chutima Huot of Battle Lake, MN. She also leaves many nieces and nephews, other family members, and a host of friends.
Coke has been reunited with her parents, James
D. and Louise Thompson; infant sister, Nancee; sister-in-law, JoAnne Thompson and from Deb’s family her parents-in-law, Roy and Barbara Huot; and brothers-in-law, Steve Huot, Roy Huot and infant brother, David.
Coke’s memory will live on in the hearts of Deb, her family, and all who were fortunate enough to have known and shared in her life.
The Mass of Christian Burial honoring Coke’s life will be held at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, February 8, 2024, at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Crookston with Msgr. David Baumgartner, presiding. There will be a visitation at the Cathedral on Wednesday from 5-7:00 p.m., with a prayer service and time for sharing of memories at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be for one hour prior to Thursday’s Mass. Both services will be livestreamed by going to www.crookstoncathedral.com or Coke’s obituary page at www.stenshoelhouske.com and clicking on the prompt to view. Messages of condolence may be offered to Deb Huot and their families on the funeral home’s website as well. In lieu of flowers and memorials please consider a donation to the Colleen Thompson Scholarship Fund, Cathedral School, which will be established in her honor.
*Former students of Coke’s are asked to gather together 30 minutes before the Mass for instructions to participate in an Honor Guard while the family procession enters the sanctuary. You will then be seating in a reserved section.
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