Shelley Rae Thompson

Shelley Rae Thompson, 68, of St. Paul, passed away Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, at her home after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. Shelley chose to have her body cremated. A private family Celebration of Life will be held later at Jim and Shelley’s home.

Peters Funeral Home of St. Paul is assisting the family.

Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation.

Shelley was born on Jan. 3, 1957, in Ainsworth, Nebraska, the daughter of Marvin and Lola (Kolb) Fernau. Growing up, Shelley lived with her family in various places and completed her education at Centura High School.

She was united in marriage to Jim J. Thompson on Oct. 12, 1974, in St. Paul. The couple first lived in Cairo and other communities, eventually moving to St. Paul, where she worked at the Howard County Medical Center and Jack & Jill grocery store. She was also a homemaker, raising her children and serving as the bookkeeper for Jim’s business, Thompson Welding.

Shelley loved her grandchildren and animals. She also enjoyed playing cards, and she and Jim enjoyed traveling together.

She is survived by her husband, Jim, of St. Paul; children, Paula Korth and fiancé Bill Young of North Bend, Bill and Jody Thompson, and Rob and Wendy Thompson, all of St. Paul; several grandchildren; two great-grandbabies on the way; and siblings, Patricia and Bob Christensen of Arizona, Steve and Emma Fernau of Washington, Stan and Leah Fernau of Arizona, and Bruce Fernau and Chris Blomberg of Wolbach, Nebraska.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marvin and Lola; sister, Linda Krueger; brothers, Gary and Jerry Fernau; and infant brother, Frank Fernau.