After a remarkable life of 101 years, Dorothy Geraldine (Strube) Thompson, known to all as “Jeri,” passed away on Nov. 19, 2025, in Eden Prairie. Jeri was a woman of notable spirit, always finding joy in the simplest things and putting others before herself. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength and gratitude.
Jeri was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Virgil (“Johnny”) Thompson, and her brother, Randall Strube. She is survived by her loving family, including her son, Johnny Thompson of Port St. Lucie, Florida, and daughter, Mindy Thompson of Chaska, as well as grandchildren Annie Heffron (Illinois), Aaron Thompson (Florida), Adam Thompson (Colorado) and Parker Sipe (Minnesota), and five great-grandchildren.
Jeri was born on March 7, 1924, in Omaha, Texas. Although her life’s journey led her to numerous states, she always considered herself a Texan at heart.
After having a busy home daycare for 12 years, she worked for many years for St. Paul Book and Stationery as a retail operations manager, a job she loved so much that she retired twice.
A resident of Summit Place in Eden Prairie for 20 years, Jeri was an active volunteer as treasurer and board member of Hilltop Church, and worked in the library, marketing and a variety of other building activities. She was also a longtime volunteer for PROP (People Reaching Out to People) in Eden Prairie. She was a proud supporter of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, enjoying its beauty, as well as a memorial bench featuring her name near the Berens Cabin located in the Big Woods at the entrance to Three-Mile Drive.
Jeri was an avid longtime sports fan and was especially loyal to the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Twins. A plaque recognizing her is just outside Gate 34 at Target Field.
A celebration of life will be held at Hilltop Church (Summit Place, 8501 Flying Cloud Drive, Eden Prairie) on Dec. 6 at 1 p.m. A gathering will follow at 2 p.m. in the Great Room at Summit Place. Donations are welcome and can be made to Hilltop Church in Jeri’s memory.