Donald Thompson

Donald Lee Thompson, 85, passed away October 17, 2026 at Sanford Health in Bismarck. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 24 at 10:30 AM at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

He was born on September 3, 1941, in Minot, North Dakota, to Albert and Selma Thompson. Growing up, Donald lived in several communities throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, and California before graduating from Bismarck High School in 1959.

Don continued his education at Bismarck Junior College and the University of North Dakota, earning a degree in accounting in 1963. On August 24 of that year, he married Arlo Jean Brown, and the couple moved to Crookston, Minnesota, where they began their life together and had their three children. They returned to Bismarck in 1975.

Throughout his career, Don built a reputation for his knowledge, dedication, and integrity. He began working in accounting before joining First Federal Savings and Loan, where he held a variety of positions.

In 1975, Don joined the North Dakota Department of Human Services as a field auditor and was promoted in 1976 to administrator of the provider audit unit. In 1982, he established his own accounting practice as a certified public accountant (CPA), specializing in audits for nursing homes and residential group homes, income tax preparation, and accounting and data processing services for businesses.

Known to many as “DLT CPA,” Don developed lasting relationships with his clients and colleagues over the years. In June 2004, he sold his business to Eide Bailly with plans to retire, but his dedication to his work and clients led him to continue working part-time, assisting former clients and providing healthcare consulting. He officially retired in May 2023, bringing to a close a career that spanned six decades.

Outside of work, Don was involved in his community through organizations including Toastmasters, the Elks, Eagles, Jaycees, and Shriners. He enjoyed being active and loved playing golf, bowling, fishing, and hunting with his friends and family. He has been a long-time member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Don will be remembered for his many years of professional service, his commitment to those he worked with, and the life he built with his family. His legacy lives on through the people he loved, the relationships he nurtured, and the contributions he made throughout his life.

One of Don’s greatest joys was watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren participate in the sports they loved. He rarely missed a game and when he couldn’t be there in person, he would make sure to stream it so he could still cheer them on. His dedication and support showed just how much pride he took in his family and how deeply he cherished being part of their lives.

Donald is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Arlo; his daughters, Pam Cook and Beth Landenberger (James); and his grandchildren, Chrystin Cook (Ruby), Max Cook (Macie), Zakk Thompson (Dominique), Skyler Thompson, Ryan Landenberger, and Rachel Landenberger. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren, William Cook, Avery Kadlec, Nora Wilson, Lillian Kadlec, Cooper Kadlec, Sunday and Gus Cook, Draedyn Bredacz, and Dezirae Thompson; his sister, Linda Carlson (Jonathan, Peter & Michael Carlson); his sister-in-law, Patricia Brown (Melissa Sabot, Melinda Wagner, & Shannon Brown); and many great-nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his son, Gregg; his parents, Albert and Selma Thompson; his parents-in-law, Harry and Ethel Brown; his brother, Albert Jr.; and his brothers-in-law, Dale Brown, Alden Brown, and Hilmer Carlson.