Clifford Dennis Thompson , age 89 of Grand Forks, ND passed away suddenly on April 15, 2026 at Altru Hospital after a short battle with cancer.

Cliff was born on March 10, 1937, to John and Karen (Paulson) Thompson in Bigwoods Township, Oslo MN. At 7 weeks, after the passing of his mother, he was taken in and raised by his aunt and uncle, the Ramons. Cliff attended county school and later high school in Oslo, MN. His love of baseball earned him a scholarship to the U of M, but he decided to enlist in the US Army after high school. The Army took him to Germany where he met his future wife, Trudy. After a 2-year courtship, they were married in Warren, MN and later decided to make their home in Grand Forks, where they raised their daughters Gloria and Jennifer.

Cliff's first job was with Agsco as a welder, he also worked several jobs in construction as well. He would later go on to receive a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and embark on a career with the Army Corps of Engineers, taking him to places all over the country helping with projects, such as rebuilding after hurricane Hugo in South Carolina and building the Army Reserve Center in Arden Hills, MN, to name a few. Along the way he made many friends and met many people who cherished his kindness and admired his leadership and dedication to his work.

His career with the Corps spanned 30 years and he retired in 2007, for a second time. Cliff enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially having "grandpa" talks with his grandkids around the table. Cliff and Trudy enjoyed spending winters in AZ and the summer working in their garden.  Cliff also enjoyed his time at his farm, sharing coffee and a snack with friends, and entertaining company with a story or two.

Cliff loved his family, and life immensely, there was nothing he wouldn't do for them. There is so much more to Cliff's life, than one page, but as he would say "that's enough now." He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Trudy of 67 years; daughters, Gloria of Grand Forks and Jennifer (Tim) Reiter of Ham Lake, MN. Grandchildren Samantha of Grand Forks, Alexander of Bloomington, MN and Michael of Ham Lake MN; sister, Arlene Thompson of Downey, CA.

He is preceded in death by his parents his brother, Mickey Thompson, sisters Stella Case and Jean Brown.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 1:00 P.M at the Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND.

Visitation will be one hour before service time in the church.

Burial will be in Memorial Park South Cemetery in Grand Forks, ND

Military Honors: Will be accorded by members of the American Legion Post 157, the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 3817, and the North Dakota Army National Guard.