Jeanne Thompson March 20, 1934 – July 2, 2025

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.