Grace R. Thompson, 86, of Rochester, MN, died Monday, November 3, 2014 at Olmsted Community Hospital.

Grace was born September 2, 1928, in Rochester to Bennett and Mae Whynaucht.  On June 1, 1947 she married Eugene Edward Thompson.  They had four children, Sandy, Janice, Jeff and Lori.

Grace worked at the Kahler Hotel Coffee shop, the Town House, and the Holiday Inn South.  In 1984, she bought the Broadway Café where she operated it for 10 years.  For the last 24 years, Grace worked for her son as a secretary at the Thompson Law Office.

Grace was a people person, with a wonderful, kind heart.  If you ever met her, she would never forget you; she had an amazing memory.  She was a hard worker and was happiest when she was busy.  She loved to cook and bake, enjoyed watching Hallmark movies and Family Feud, visiting with her friends and especially spending times with her family.  She was always proud of her four children, 10 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren who brought her so much joy!

Grace is survived by son, Jeff Thompson (Cyndy), daughters, Sandy Nelson (Jerry Christensen), Janice Gates, (Terry), and Lori Lhotka, (Dale), five grandsons, Brandon Nelson, Justin Gates, Andrew, Jonathan, and Michael Thompson, four granddaughters, Courtney Kelley (Brian), Christina Thompson, Alicia and Hayley Lhotka, two great grandchildren, Benjamin Kelley and Brenna Grace Nelson, step children, Alan and Randy Batzel, Debra Bandy, Julie Whitcomb, "adopted daughter" Jane Batterson, sister-in-laws, Jeanne and Elaine Whynaucht, and brother-in-law, Lowell Thompson (Eunice).

Grace was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her five brothers, Herbert, Murray, Chesley, Cecil, and Everett Whynaucht, grandson Christopher Nelson and stepson Dale Batzel.

A funeral service will be held at the River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home, Saturday, November 8, 2014 at 11:00AM with the  Rev. Martha Hendricks of Christ United Methodist Church officiating.  Visitation will be one hour in advance of the service.  Mausoleum interment will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens.