Orlin Benjamin Thompson, 87, Minot, formerly of Velva, died Tuesday, August 25, 2015 in a Minot Hospital.

Orlin was born October 15, 1927 in Velva, North Dakota the son of Oscar and Mena (Oslie) Thompson. He was raised and educated in Velva and graduated from Velva High School in 1945. He assisted with the operation of his parents farm until he was united in marriage to Helen Anderson on October 18, 1949 in the Lutheran parsonage at Hitterdal, Minnesota.

Orlin and Helen made their home on a farm North of Velva, where along with raising their four children they grew small grains and sunflowers for more than 50 years. During the winter months, Orlin held various jobs some of which included working in the oil industry, at Velva Lumber and for the State Highway Department.

They retired from farming in 1996 and traveled spending winters in Arizona, then Nevada. They moved to Minot in 2005 and into The Wellington in 2013.

Orlin was a longtime active member of Oak Valley Lutheran Church. He sang with church choirs in Velva, Arizona and Reno. He performed with the Nodakords for many years, as well as the Star City Singers and Wellington Choir. He enjoyed woodworking, traveling, reading, dancing/square dancing.

His loving family includes : wife of 65 years, Helen Thompson, Minot; children, Terrence (Eileen) Thompson, Glencoe, MN, Laurel (Cary) Lindstrom, Reno, NV, Rachel (Steve) Thoroughman, Canby, OR, Orlyn Anne (Frank) Schenk, Reno, NV; 10 grandchildren to include: Kimberli (Robert) Kerr, Carmon (Julie) Titus, Kristin Rademacher, Benjamin (Anne) Thompson, Cody (Sarah) Lindstrom, Maren (Josh) Knopp, Vincent and Olivia Thoroughman, Owen and Trent Schenk; 7 Great grandchildren: Samantha, Josh (Lindsey), and Ashley Kerr; Ailisha and Keegan Titus; CJ Rademacher; Layne Thompson and 4 great-great grandchildren; Sister, Mona Skar, Minot; sister-in-law, Delores Thompson, Columbus, ND; numerous nieces and nephews.

Orlin was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Lorraine and Margaret; and brother, Jerome.

Visitation: Sunday from Noon-5:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorial service: Sunday, August 30,2015 at 1:30 p.m. in The Wellington, Minot.
Funeral service : Monday, August 31, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. in Oak Valley Lutheran Church, Velva.
Interment: Velva Community Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family prefers memorials designated to the Oak Valley Church Window Project or to an organization of the donor's choice.