Bertha “Bertie” Thompson, age 83 of Madison, passed away under hospice care surrounded by her loved ones on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Funeral Services will be 10:30 AM, Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at the Madison United Methodist Church with burial to follow at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Monday night at the Ellsworth Funeral Home.
Bertha “Bertie” Faye Thompson was born on March 6, 1943, in Madison, South Dakota, to Andy and Edna (Hutt) Poppen. She was the youngest of three children, joining her two older brothers, Duane and Maurice Poppen. Bertie grew up in Madison and graduated from Madison High School in 1961.
In 1961, Bertie married James “Jim” Thompson. To this union, two children, David and Carol, were born. As Jim served in the United States Army, their early years together took them away from South Dakota, including time stationed in California and Germany. Upon returning home, the family settled in Wentworth, South Dakota.
During their years in Wentworth, Bertie became an active part of the community. She played softball for a number of years and shared her love of music by giving piano lessons to area students. Each year, her students showcased their hard work at a recital held in the Wentworth Community Building. When the Wentworth School needed additional help with its music program, such as presenting an Operetta, Bertie was always willing to lend her talents.
In the fall of 1972, Bertie and Jim moved their family to Madison so Jim could be closer to work. Bertie went on to build a long and dedicated career of her own. She worked for Terra International for 29 years as an office manager and later spent 12 years working for the Ericsson Law Office. She retired in 2013 after many years of service.
Music and faith were woven throughout Bertie’s life, and one of her greatest joys and most meaningful accomplishments was serving as the accompanist for the Emissaries, a gospel group. Together, they traveled throughout eastern South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota, sharing God’s word through music and performing at benefits for people in need. The group even recorded a record and tapes, preserving the music that meant so much to Bertie and those who heard them.
Bertie also served as the church organist at Madison United Methodist Church for 10 years, another way she generously shared her musical gifts and her faith with others.
Keeping busy in retirement, Bertie attended classes to train her standard poodle, Ruby, as a therapy and Tail Waggin’ Tutors dog. Together, Bertie and Ruby visited schools, where children could practice their reading by reading aloud to Ruby. It was a special way for Bertie to continue giving back while bringing comfort, confidence, and a little joy to the children they met.
Bertie approached life with curiosity and enthusiasm. She had a big bucket list and was fortunate to accomplish many of the things she had dreamed of doing. Her life was filled with music, faith, family, service, travel, and a willingness to share her talents wherever they were needed.
Bertie is survived by her children, David (Lynette Nelson) Thompson and Carol (Mark) Barger; Four grandsons, Nicholas Barger (special friend, Julia Pittman) and Nathan Barger (special friend Allison Schriever), Travis Anderson, Tyler (Sara) Nelson, and granddaughter, Tarren Nelson. Two great grandsons Treyton and Kydon Nelson and great granddaughter Averi Schriever.
She is also survived by her brother Maurice (Alice) Poppen, her sister-in-laws Bev Poppen, Sharon Thompson, Jan Thompson, Nancy Torkelson and her brother-in-law Bill Torkelson, along with many nieces and nephews, extended family, and many longtime friends.
Bertie was preceded in death by her parents, Andy and Edna Poppen; her husband of 55 years, Jim Thompson, her brother Duane Poppen, her brother-in-laws Bill and Bob Thompson, and her sister-in-law Mary Stoffel; longtime friend Elva Witt; and her dog Ruby.
