By TRISTAN GEHRING
Staff Writer
Ginger Thompson of rural Ellendale retired from Lerberg's Fitness Center and Gift Shop after 38 years on December 29, 2023. A reception was held at the Fitness Center with gifts, balloons and cake.
“It sure went fast,” Ginger recalled. “I can’t believe it’s been 38 years.”
Ginger enjoyed getting to know many kind people and Panther athletes over her two decades with the Fitness Center. She first got her start working at Lerberg's Gift Shop in 1985. “It was more like a department store,” Ginger described. “We had clothing for men and women, children too– Red Wing boots and Minnetonka Moccasins, hallmark cards, jewelry, perfumes, material and sewing needs, sheets and towels, and high school mascot clothing.”
The store had that, and much more, even offering free gift wrapping. “It was a great place to work and get to know everyone in town,” Ginger added.
Mary Lerberg was Ginger’s first employer there. “She was great to work for and taught me many things about business, and how to make attractive displays,” Ginger said.
Asked if she enjoyed the work, Ginger responded with an emphatic “YES.”
She went on to explain that the customers were always gracious and enjoyed the personal help that, “We just don’t get in stores today.”
In four decades working for the Lerberg family, Ginger can’t recall a single conflict with anyone. “People care about each other in our town,” she stated.
In 2003 the gift shop was converted into the Fitness Center where Ginger stayed on to work for the Lerberg family, and fourteen years later in 2017, John and Wendy Schultz.
Wendy is the daughter of Andy and Mary Lerberg.
Ginger’s job included instructing people on the proper use of gym equipment, enrolling new members and also cleaning.
Over the years Ginger also helped at Lerberg’s Grocery store, working for Andy Lerberg and Ross Sletten.
In her career, Ginger never missed a day of work. “Except for the time Jerry and I took the girls to Europe for a ten day vacation,” Ginger remembered.
Her career also includes 26 years at the Lady Bug Thrift store in New Richland.
Ginger is a great sports fan. “Especially the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and Panther sport, plus Waseca Blue Jays where my grand-daughter is a junior.”
Ginger and Jerry are active members of First Lutheran Church in Ellendale and also members of the Memories Car Club of Ellendale and New Richland. They enjoy activities and summer cruises in their restored 1944 Pontiac.
The Memories Car Club awards a $500 scholarship each year to an NRHEG graduate pursuing a career in an automotive related field, something Ginger is very proud of.
Ginger grew up on the West Side of Saint Paul, a small community in St. Paul.
“Just like our little town,” Ginger said. “It wasn’t like I grew up in a big city, it was more like Ellendale.”
Ginger’s parents were Catherine and Karl Kinderman. She had one older brother, John.
She attended Humboldt High School, was active for three years in cheerleading and was a Page 1 Editor for the school newspaper.
At age 12 Ginger babysat the children of Hall of Fame Vikings Coach Bud Grant.
During her youth, Ginger and family traveled all around the United States. Her dad, Karl, worked for Northwest Airlines where he received free travel passes. She and her brother saw many cities.
Ginger and her husband Jerry celebrated 55 years of marriage in September.
“We met through friends,” Ginger said. “It was a double blind date.”
Together they raised four girls, Cathy, Christine, Carrie and Carlie. They were all baptized, confirmed and were married at First Lutheran Church in Ellendale.
When the girls were small, Ginger stayed home and did child care. “We had a regular little pre-school,” she joked. “It was fun.”
What are Ginger's plans for retirement? She and Jerry hope to visit daughter Carrie in Arizona and do some traveling.
“It was a good career working 38 years in Ellendale,” Ginger said. “A great town and great people.”