Marilyn Lee 'Pickles' Thompson

Marilyn was born in St. James, MN to Joseph "Smokey" and Ella (Panzer) Melheim on August 13, 1953. She went to high school at St. James High School and graduated in 1973. She worked as a cook/ waiters at the HI-60 truck stop for many years. The last 16 years she worked at Vet's Whoa N' Go in Windom. How Marilyn became "Pickles". During a large family picnic when Marilyn was nearly 4 years old, her aunt Ardelle was helping her fill her plate for lunch. There was a bounty of tasty options including everyone's best canned goods. Back in the day, some sweet pickle recipes added food coloring to the brine that make them emerald green, they were also amazingly delicious, and very appealing to children. Marilyn pick a few of these, loved them, then ate most of what was there. Later that year on her 4th birthday, when Ardelle asked if she would like a piece of cake, Marilyn said "No! Pickles!" Ardelle replied with "You will turn into a pickle." With her 4 siblings and family around the table, this stuck, and there after she was known to everyone as Pickles. Marilyn is survived by her sons Shawn Thompson of Windom, Chad (Jill) Thompson of Kasson, Grandchildren Nathen, Ellie, Cassidy, Gracie, and Carlon. One Brother, Ronnie "Chopper" Melheim of Mt. Lake. Two sisters, Diane England of Mt. Lake, Mary Jo (Brad) Cowell of St. James and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents. Brother, Eugene "Jigs" Melheim, Sister Carolyn "Dutch" Petersen, Brother Richard Melheim, nephews, Lance Cowell, and John Petersen and niece Jenny Gumroyan. Sympathy cards can be sent to: Chad Thompson, 24818 700th ST, Kasson, MN 55944. Service Information 2:00 pm Saturday, September 19, 2020 Zion Lutheran Cemetery -Odin West of Odin Odin, Minnesota, United States 56160 Interment Information 2:00 pm Saturday, September 19, 2020 Zion Lutheran Cemetery -Odin West of Odin Odin, Minnesota, United States 56160