Virginia Ulschmid Thompson

Virginia Rose Thompson, age 92, Frazee Minn., passed away peacefully on January 4, 2021 at Essentia Hospital, surrounded by family.

Virginia was born in Evergreen Township of Rural Frazee, Minnesota, September 19, 1928 to Frank and Ann (Joachim) Ulschmid. She was educated in the Frazee school system until her junior year and graduated from the Detroit Lakes High School in 1947. Ginnie volunteered at St. Mary’s Hospital, Detroit Lakes, as a candy striper her senior year of high school, assisting the nuns during the influenza pandemic. This caregiving service continued with Multi County Nursing throughout Becker County as a Private Home Health Aide. Customers were her favorite part of any job, so long as she was with others – there was happiness. The Kennedy’s employed her culinary skills at the Fireside Supper Club in the 70’s, where humor was a favorite part of her work family.

August 17, 1947 Virginia married Royal Wilfred Kohler in Detroit Lakes. Together they had eleven children while farming in both Westbury, and Frazee, Minn. In 1976 she married Conrad Martinson who passed unexpectedly June 1, 1982. At age 70, she met Robert Dale Thompson, a former classmate, at a high school reunion and they were married May 20th, 1998. They shared joy in entertaining guests, the outdoors, and their faith. Bob passed away on November 30, 2020 at age 92.

She was blessed to live-out her life on the farm for 60 years. Gardening, baking, canning, dancing, embroidery and sewing were hobbies that brought her happiness. She loved visiting with numerous friends and relatives, as well as treasuring the time spent with her many grandchildren and great great-grandchildren always attending as many events and celebrations as possible. Virginia was a lifetime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Frazee where she was active in Christian Mother’s and lectured most Sunday masses, in her younger years she belonged to the Becker County Garden Club.

She is survived by her four sons Virgil (Sandy) Kohler Moorhead, MN, Mark (Val) Kohler of Frazee, MN, Tom Kohler and Randy Kohler both of Detroit Lakes, MN; six daughters Elizabeth Lamson of Palisade, MN, Kathy (Joey) Stenger of Detroit Lakes, MN, Marianne Prendergast of McLean, VA, Annette (Daniel) Kaldahl, Detroit Lakes, MN, Jane (Vince) Bachmann of Frazee, MN, Jackie (Simon) George of Frazee, MN; 38 grandchildren; 59 great-grandchildren and eight great-great-grandchildren; sister Rose Pitzel of Moorhead, MN; sister-in-law Winnie Ulschmid.

She is preceded in death by her husband Robert; parents, brothers Virgil (Virginia’s twin), Wilfred, Peter, Duane, Eugene; sisters Theresa Necham, Geraldine Schmit; daughter Winnifred Rose (Kohler) Renney; granddaughter Tricia Rose Renney.

A social distance viewing for the public will be at David Donehower Funeral Home, Detroit Lakes, Thursday, January 14th at 4-6 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Christian Mothers of Sacred Heart Church, the Becker County Food Pantry or a charity of choice in her name.

Virginia will be missed greatly. May her family and friends carry on her love of Jesus.