Thompson, Gerald W. "Jerry" 1927-1979

THOMPSON, MCLAIN, WALTER, OLSON, WALLACE

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 11/19/2010 at 17:13:07

The Grinnell Herald-Register; Thurs., July 5, 1979

RITES HELD FOR MR. THOMPSON

Gerald "Jerry" Thompson, 52, of Brooklyn died Saturday at his home. His death was attributed to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Funeral services for Mr. Thompson were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Victor Baptist Church, with the Rev. David Hornek officiating. Organist was Mrs. Don Alba, and vocalists were Mr. and Mrs. Dean Smith. Flower attendants were Mrs. Melvin Gauley and Mrs. Frank Cornelis.

Pallbearers were Robert Goodman, Robert Sexton, Robert Cram, Don Leader, Melvin Smith and Don Alba. Honorary pallbearers were Arthur Blome, Spencer Maudlin, Edward McAdam, Don Brannian, Dean Kloock and Lonnie White.

Burial was at the I.O.O.F. Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the Francis Gallagher American Legion Post No. 294. The Nevenhoven Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

The son of Fredrick Campbell and Alta Mae McLain Thompson, he was born March 10, 1927, in New Sharon. He was graduated from New Sharon High School. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1945 and was discharged in 1946. Mr. Thompson worked for the Des Moines Co-op Creamery as an elecrician and salesman. In 1972, he was employed by the Veterans Administration Hospital at Knoxville as an electrician and refrigeration technician.

He was married to Rosemary Walter on March 28, 1951, in New Sharon. They lived in Montezuma until 1952 when they moved to Brooklyn.

Mr. Thompson was active in the Victor Baptist Church. He was also a member of Corinthian Lodge No. 174, A.F. and A.M.; the Francis Gallagher American Legion Post; and the board of directors of the Brooklyn-Victor Country Club.

He is survived by his wife, Rosemary; his children, Debra Olson of Grinnell, Rodney of Grinnell, Thomas of Brooklyn, and Jeffrey of Brooklyn; his brother, Max Thompson of Oakland Acres; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Betty Wallace.