Abe M. Thompson (1922-2006)

THOMPSON, VARO, BERG, NICHOLSEN, POPP, GOOD, SCHERZINGER, ABBAS

Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 11/22/2006 at 07:45:12

THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Tuesday, November 21, 2006.

Abe M. Thompson
Feb. 11, 1922-Sept. 12, 2006

Lt. Col. Abe M. Thompson, USAF retired, died Sept. 12 in Las Vegas, Nev., at the age of 84. He died peacefully with his children at his side and will be remembered as a war hero and patriot. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Nov. 27 at Kanawha Lutheran Church in Kanawha, followed by burial with full military honors at Amsterdam Township Cemetery.

Abe M. Thompson was born Feb. 11, 1922, in rural Kanawha and entered the U.S. military in 1943 where he served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. During his career as a pilot, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with nine Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal and Presidential Unit Citation. At the close of WWII he flew exiled Norwegian government officials back to Norway.

In 1946, he married Lois (Varo) Thompson and together they raised a family of three children while stationed in the U.S., Newfoundland and Okinawa.

In 1964 he taught aerospace studies at Grove City College in Grove City, Pa. After retiring from active duty in 1970, he instructed JROTC high school students in Fargo, N.D., where he enjoyed playing chess and was president of the North Dakota Chess Association.

In the last months of his wife Lois' life he took great pride in providing her constant care. During his final years, he enjoyed visiting with his grandchildren and great-granddaughter.

He is survived by his children, Susan Berg, of Ogden and John Thompson, of Shoreview, Minn.; brother, Tom Thompson, of Ames; sisters, Jan Nicholsen and Ruth Popp, both of Scottsdale, Ariz.; grandchildren, Wade, Matthew, Adam and Aaron Good, and Stephanie and Eric Thompson; and great-granddaughter, Bridget Good.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mons Abraham and Cora; wife, Lois; daughter, Cynthia; son, James; sisters, Inez Scherzinger and Alice Abbas; and grandson, Ian Thompson.

Memorials may be sent to Amsterdam Township Cemetery, 1285 Maple Ave., Kanawha, IA 50447.

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