History
Thompson-Larson Funeral Home been serving Minot area families for years. We are honored to be a part of the rich history of this community and plan to be a part of it for many years to come.
What began as a sign of affection some 89 years ago, continues today with the commitment to service made by the professional staff at Thompson-Larson Funeral Home.
In 1934, Theodore Thompson built the Thompson-Larson Funeral Home as a wedding gift for his bride, Julia Larson. Ms. Larson was the first female licensed funeral director in the state of North Dakota.
In 1945, Edward and Catherine Fisher purchased the business from the Thompsons. Mr. Fisher was a funeral director with roots in the Wahpeton, North Dakota, area. Mrs. Fisher grew up in the railroad town of Breckenridge, Minnesota. Prior to coming to Minot, Mr. Fisher was a funeral director in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Fisher family lived above the funeral home and the family was actively involved in all aspects of the business. Ed and Catherine's elder son, Tom, took a special interest and after completing his education, returned to help his parents operate the business. In 1972, Engen Eckmann joined the staff as a licensed funeral director.
As the business grew, so did the demands placed upon the owners and operators of Thompson-Larson Funeral Home. In 1983, Wes Burkart joined the firm as a licensed funeral director. In 1984, Bruce Kramer came aboard as the business manager and to assist on funerals. As a group, Tom Fisher, Engen Eckmann, Wes Burkart and Bruce Kramer worked as managing partners in operating the funeral home.
In 2004, Kelly Sorensen and Ben Slind joined the firm as licensed funeral directors. Past licensed funeral directors have included Tom Rovig, Amy Miller, Scott Schorr, and Casey Sidener.
On August 1, 2017, Engen Eckmann retired from Thompson-Larson Funeral Homes.
Ben Slind and Kelly Sorensen became owners along with Wes Burkart and Bruce Kramer on August 1, 2017.
On December 31, 2022, Wes Burkart retired from Thompson-Larson Funeral Homes.
Our current full-time staff includes Jessica Hanson, Ben Staley, Zac Martin, Deidre Wall, and Jonathan Starr.
Over the years, Thompson-Larson has always striven to provide dignified and compassionate service to the many families who call upon us. Our commitment is reflected in our support of various organizations and activities throughout the region, including church and civic groups, schools and charitable organizations.
Our address in Minot is the original address that Ted Thompson and Julia Larson started so many years ago.