John O. Thompson (1867-1943)

THOMPSON, JOHNSON, LEXVOLD

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/17/2021 at 16:53:13

From Nevada Evening Journal May 7, 1948 (page 5)

Funeral Services Held at Cambridge For J. O. Thompson

Cambridge, May 6--Funeral rites for J. O. Thompson, 75, Cambridge pioneer, who died at his home here May 3, were held at the Methodist church here Wednesday afternoon, with Rev. Floyd Shepherd of Ankeny in charge. Rev. John Turner of the local church assisted. Rev. and Mrs. Jacobson sang "Does Jesus Care," "Sometime We'll Understand," and "Softly and Tenderly," with Miss Brendeland at the piano. The pallbearers were Raymond Warren of Nevada, Harry and Henry Thorwall of Maxwell, K. E. Nelson, Will Hawks and Ed Gardner. The burial was in Iowa Center cemetery. The grandson, Edgar Thompson, was unable to make travel connections to come for the funeral.

John O. Thompson was born October 1, 1867, at Hjelemelon, Norway, an departed this life on May 3, 1943, having reached the age of 75 years, 6 months and 2 days. Mr. Thompson journeyed across the ocean with his parents from Norway to America when he was two and a half years old. Soon after reaching this country, the family came to the vicinity of Maxwell, and he made his home with the Oran Lash family until he grew to manhood.

On August 10, 1890, he was united in marriage to Anna Johnson who for almost fifty-three years had been his constant companion, administering her loving care until the time of his death. The family resided on a farm north of Maxwell for several years, acquiring a group of steadfast friends. Upon moving to his farm at Elwell, he continued in his Christian faith and became a member of the United Evangelical church. Deciding to retire from active farm work several years later, they moved to Cambridge, where they have since maintained their home affiliating with the Methodist church of this place. At an early date Mr. Thompson was elected to the board of trustees of this church and was serving in the capacity at the time of his death.

John O., as he was commonly called by his fellowmen, participated in the progressive life of the community. During his residence here he served the Cambridge public school board, was a member of the board of directors of the Cambridge State Bank and was also a member of the city council. He was an industrious farmer, a successful business man, a devoted husband, a king father and a most worthy grandfather.

Those who will miss him most are his good wife, a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Glendora Thompson, two grandchildren, Mrs. Norma Lexvold of Spencer and Edgar Thompson, now serving with the U. S. armed forces at Ellington Field, Texas; two great grandchildren, Carolyn Ann and Robert Harold Lexvold. His only son, Arthur, and a great granddaughter, Kathryn Jean, preceded him in death. Other near relatives who mourn his departure are R. G. Lexvold of Spencer, Mrs. Janet Thompson of Des Moines, Mrs. Eleanor Cole of Hillsboro, North Dakota, Mrs. Oscar Larson of Huxley and Nels Sabo of Slater. Thus reads the obituary of one who leaves a host of close friends and business associates who in many ways have sincerely tendered their respects.