Merlene J. THOMPSON

THOMPSON, STRAND, STEENHUSEN, LATHROP, DRATH, MCMUNN, NELSON, COX, SIEMILLER, GEARHART

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:46

Merlene J. Thompson
31 May 1896 ---- 7 March 1958

Merlene J. Thompson, the son of Jacob and Gusta Strand Thompson and was born May 31, 1896 in Jefferson township, Shelby county, Iowa and died March 7, 1958 at the Manning General hospital following a lengthy illness.

While a child he moved with his family to Goldfield, Iowa and later returned to the Irwin community.

He served overseas for seven months during World War I. Following his discharge October 16, 1919 he married Laura Steenhusen of Irwin. The couple has lived on their present farm near Botna since their marriage. Mr. Thompson was a member of the Norwegian Lutheran church in Irwin and a member of Manning V.F.W. post and a past commander.

He is survived by his wife, four children; Mrs. Virginia (William) Drath of Hillsboro, California; Mrs. Joyce (Russell) Lathrop of San Mateo, California, Mrs. Alys (Charles) McMunn of Denver, Colorado and Merlene Jr. of Ralston, Nebraska; four grandsons, his mother of Harlan and the following brothers and sisters: Mrs. Gertie (Clarence) Nelson of Charles City, Iowa, Mrs. Tillie (James) Cox of Tracy, California, Elmer, Ole and Arnold of Tracy, California, Mrs. Jenny (Rodney) Siemiller of Los Angeles, California and Mrs. Myrtle (Orrell) Gearhart of Harlan. He was preceded in death by his father and a brother, James.

Funeral services for Merlene who was a Botna farmer were held at the Ohde Funeral Home in Manning Monday, March 10, 1958 with the Rev. Carl Sinning of the Presbyterian church officiating.
Burial was in the Oak Hill cemetery at Irwin with military rites by the Emil Ewoldt Post No. 22 American Legion and V.F.W. Post No. 3317 of Manning. Pallbearers were John l. Steenhusen, George Steenhusen, Peter Steenhusen Jr., Larry Gearhart, Robert Wycoff and Frank Wegner.

Harlan Tribune --- Harlan, Iowa
Friday, March 28, 1958