MaryLou Thompson, 55, of Austin, Minnesota died Monday morning, April 18, 2011, at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester.

She was born May 28, 1955, to John Wesley and Marilyn (Joseph) Newman in Austin, where she grew up and graduated from high school in 1973. She married Gregory Edwin Thompson on June 22, 1973, in Austin. They made their home in Forest City where MaryLou worked at Winnebago for 10 years before they moved back to Austin. MaryLou was employed by Land O’ Lakes in Albert Lea, St. Marks Lutheran Home in Austin and Hormel Foods for a short time. She enjoyed fishing, shopping, spending time with her grandchildren, collecting dolls and taking vacations.

Survivors include her husband, Greg; two daughters, Jacqueline Thompson of Austin, Jessica (Larry Welch) Jones of Austin; nine grandchildren, Jayden, Alex, Lilly, Lyla, Jeremy, Jonathan, Emilee, Mickela and Michael; parents, Marilyn and John Newman of Austin; sister, Rebecca (Gary) Rector of Austin; three brothers, John (Debbie) Newman of Austin, Bill (Joann) Newman of Blooming Prairie, Glenn (Babs) Newman of Austin, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her grandparents.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 21, 2011, at Crane Community Chapel in Austin with Pastor Colleen Hoeft officiating. Visitation is from 5 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin and at church one hour prior to the service. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.