Linda Prichard Thompson, beloved daughter, wife, mother, and friend peacefully passed away on March 14th, 2024 after a short but difficult battle with cancer at the age of 61.

Linda was born on February 25th, 1963 to Neal and Pat Prichard. She grew up in Menomonie, WI with her two younger brothers, Mark and Scot. Linda's childhood involved going on month long camping road trips with her family, swimming in Lake Menomin, and playing the flute in band.

She graduated from Menomonie High School in 1981 and went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Stout. She began dating her future husband, Ray, after having been friends in high school.

Linda graduated from Stout with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology, with a concentration in Package Engineering. She interned at 3M as a Packaging Engineer the fall of 1984. After graduating in 1987 she started out her career as a contract Technical Writer. She moved to "the big city" and began working for several different companies in the Twin Cities (Norwest Technical Services, Honeywell Systems and Research Center, Control Data, Northgate Computer Systems and Thiele Engineering).

After she and Ray were married in 1987, they eventually settled in Oakdale, MN. Their daughter, Katie, was born in 1990 and their son, Ryan, was born in 1993. Raising and spending time with the family became her top priority.

In 1998, Linda went back to work at 3M in various contract and direct hired roles. She started back as a Packaging Engineer then moved into Project Management roles for Packaging Graphics working in many different divisions at 3M. She was highly respected and admired and was often sought after for advice, training and guidance.

Linda had many interests outside of work. She was very creative, making homemade soap, enjoyed gardening and creating beautiful stained glass art. Family was very important to Linda. She loved to go camping with family and friends. It was also important to try to do at least one family adventure every year. The family would explore the US and the National Parks while also visiting family and friends. The culmination of which was a family trip to Singapore to celebrate Ryan and his wife Siu Yi’s wedding reception. Linda described it as “A trip of a lifetime”.

Linda's memory will forever be cherished by her devoted husband, loving children, extended family, and countless friends. Though she may be gone from our sight, her love and legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

She is preceded in death by her father Neal, and her brother Mark. She is survived by her husband Ray, daughter Katie, son Ryan (Siu Yi), mother Pat, brother Scot (Maria), sister-in-law Lynn (Mark), numerous nieces and nephews, family, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Oakwood on Saturday, April 20, 2024, starting at 10:00 AM and going until 1:00 PM. Please join us as we gather to reminisce and share stories of this incredible person that was taken from us far too soon.

In lieu of flower please consider a memorial donation to Second Harvest Heartland or a charity of your choice.