Jean Lucille Brustad

   Jean Lucille Brustad (86) passed away after a brief illness at the Mayville Hospital on February 20, 2020.

   Born near Hatton on July 18, 1933, she was the youngest child of George and Alma (Foss) Thompson. Jean graduated from Hatton High School in 1950 and went on to Mayville State Teacher’s College to earn her teaching certificate. Using that degree, she taught in a country school in rural Hatton.

   She married the love of her life, Kenneth Brustad, on November 6, 1954, in Moorhead, MN. They began building their home in Mayville soon after. There they raised their two sons, Michael and Danny, and enjoyed living in their home for 64 years. In September 2018, it was time for a change, and they moved to their Sun Center apartment.

   Over the years, Jean worked at local businesses including the Mayville Creamery and Anthony’s Department Store. Later, she became the first secretary at Mayville Elementary—a position she held for 19 years until her retirement. One year, during the absence of a school principal, she was asked to fill in and run the school office. She did so without hesitation. Jean was quite the money manager and the investor and also served as the bookkeeper for the family’s construction business.

   Jean led an active and vibrant life. She was involved with many outdoor activities over the years that included golfing, fishing, downhill skiing and camping. She was an excellent cook and baker. She could whip up an apple or lemon meringue pie quickly and without recipes. She also found time for crocheting, participating in a card club and serving on Mayville Lutheran church committees. Jean was an excellent seamstress and a stylish dresser. Her love of sewing evolved into making quilts. She belonged to a local quilt club, and over time she made enough quilts that all her family benefited from her talent.

   Jean and Ken loved to travel. They once traveled Europe for a month with only two small suitcases and no agenda. Later they bought a motorhome and traveled the United States during the winter months, even joining and establishing friendships through the Crafty Travelers Club. Jean grew up with the love of music. She played the piano and accordion by ear, and you could find her and Ken on the dance floor at the Eagles and VFW on dance nights.

   Her family will miss her greatly. She is survived by her husband: Kenneth; sons: Michael Allan (Terri) Brustad from Mesa, AZ and Golden Lake, ND and Danny Scott (Melody) Brustad from Big Lake, MN—all whom she was extremely proud of. She is also survived by her brother-in-law: George Brustad; as well as many nieces and nephews. Jean loved her grandchildren and would always be part of their action when playing competitive card and video games. It was important to her to attend as many of the special moments in their lives as possible. Her grandchildren include: Tricia Pomering, Lindsey Flanagan, Emily Brustad, Nicholas Brustad and Jessica Gerwig. To her delight, her family grew to also include eight great-grandchildren.

   She was proceeded in death by her parents; sister: Adelaide Smestad and brothers: Glenn Thompson and Orin Thompson.

Visitation: Will be 5–6:30 PM with a 6:30 PM Public Prayer Service on Friday, February 28, 2020 at the Luther Memorial Home Chapel in Mayville, ND and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Funeral Service: 11:00 AM Saturday, February 29, 2020 at the Mayville Lutheran Church in Mayville, ND.

Burial: Will be in the Mayville Cemetery in Mayville, ND.