Nancy Jean Thompson

Nancy Jean (Homstad) Thompson passed away April 17, 2021, at home in Nampa, Idaho, after a brief illness.

She was born to the late Edgar and Margaret Homstad on June 12, 1936, in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. When Nancy was a teenager, the family moved to Owatonna, Minnesota. She graduated from Owatonna High School in 1954 and attended the University of Minnesota.

She met Ken Thompson while at the U of M; they were married July 28, 1956. Nancy is survived by her husband of 64 years, Ken, and their four children, Laura Dooley and husband Dennis of Nampa, ID; Mary Thompson and husband Geoff Taylor of Bloomington, MN; Jill Endicott and husband Eric of Owasso, OK; and Matthew Thompson and partner Matthew Scherer of Oakland, CA. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Nancy’s love of music started at a young age. She took piano lessons throughout her childhood (and played on a piano that she purchased with savings bonds given to her by her grandparents; the piano remains the in the family still). She also played percussion in her high school marching band. Music was a constant in our home – from people singing and dancing in the kitchen while Thanksgiving dinner was being prepared, to Helen Reddy belting out “I am Woman” while cleaning house, listening to Dave Brubeck with Ken at the end of a long day, or Broadway tunes playing just for the sheer enjoyment. Her eclectic taste and love of all types of music was passed on to her kids.

Nancy was the life of the party and a consummate hostess. She had a knack for making anyone feel welcome and comfortable in her home – from her kids friends to lifelong friends and neighbors. There was always plenty of food, drink, games and laughter to go around! Good food was central to any family gathering – Nancy would talk about and plan menus weeks in advance. She was an excellent cook and passed that love on to all her children. Cooking together remains one of our greatest joys when we are all lucky enough to gather together.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Alsip Funeral Home in Nampa, Idaho. The family would like friends to donate to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in lieu of sending flowers.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nancy Jean Thompson, please visit our floral store.