"Ramona and family, I am so sorry to hear about Dick's (Richard to me) passing. When I would see him in Emmetsburg it was so nice to be with a Thompson relative! Much love from Dick's cousin (Mickey Gibbs) daughter, Marilyn Gibbs - Alger. "
In loving memory of
Richard C. Thompson
August 20, 1930 - November 24, 2013
Funeral Mass is 11:30 a.m., Wednesday at Holy Family Catholic Church in Emmetsburg. Burial is in St. John's Cemetery. The family will greet friends from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home.
Richard C. "Dick" Thompson passed away at home Sunday, November 24, 2013.
Dick was born August 20, 1930 in Ames, IA to Henry and Maxine (Thorson) Thompson. Dick went to a country school and graduated from Shipley High School in 1948. After graduation he went to work on the family farm until entering the Navy during the Korean War in 1951. He joked with his kids that the most action he saw was sinking a camel (and his jockey) in the Suez Canal.
Upon returning from service he entered the Iowa State University School of Veterinary Medicine and started his farming career in Emmetsburg with his father in 1956. Shortly thereafter he met his wife of 55 years, Ramona Amfahr, from Algona. They married on February 1, 1958 at St. Cecelia Catholic Church in Algona and farmed in Cylinder, IA until his passing.
Together they raised five children, Gregg (and Penny) of Ankeny, Gordon of Grinnell, Stephanie (and Vance) Downs of Ames, Paul (and Erika) of Emmetsburg and Brian (and Jill) of West Des Moines.
Dick's lifelong passions were his family, friends, sports and of course, farming! There was no greater joy for Dick than sitting around the kitchen table with family and friends playing cards, sharing stories, talking sports, and markets. Always ready with a friendly smile or helping hand, he was known by many as "Good Neighbor Sam", a handle he earned many years ago by how he lived his life.
Dick is preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jean (Bob); and sister-in-law, Carol Thompson.
Dick is survived by his wife, Ramona, his five children; daughter-in-law, Marcia Thompson of Grinnell, IA; and two brothers, Jerry (Ellen) of Pequot Lakes, MN and David of Aurora, IL. He was lovingly known as "Grandpa" to his 14 grandchildren, Andy, Zach, Sydney, Jordan, Emma, Matt, Sarah, H, Alley, Jack, Cooper, Joe, Tate, Esben.
Tributes
"Mr. Thompson coached our 4-H basketball team over 30 years ago... he was always so positive and kind! We moved away from Emmetsburg shortly after that, but I have remembered his kindness all these years. You are all in our prayers as you mourn his passing. Peace and all good. "
"Ramona, Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers"
"Thompson family, I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember Dick as one of the most patient, caring people I have ever been associated with. He was definitely a positive role model in my life. I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to know him. Remember all the great lessons he taught you, and what a wonderful husband and father he was! Pat Hamilton"
"Dear Romona, So sorry to hear of Dick's death. We want to send you our sympathy and prayers."
"Chuck and I are so sorry to hear that we lost another great neighbor. We too can't help but remember is great smile, wonderful laugh, and how he welcoming he was. We would be down there now, but the two of us came down with either food poisoning or severe flu. We would never expose you and your family to this bug, but know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. We pray that the Lord will provide you his help, his strength, and hope in these times of sorrow. Thinking of all of you! "
"We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Bruce and Cindy Iwen"
"Ramona & family: We send our sincere sympathy to all. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
"Greg, When I watched the video you sure did look like your Dad in his wedding pictures. So sorry to hear that he has passed. He was a great guy and always had that smile. Take care. Ramona and family, your in my thoughts and prayers. My sympathy to all of you at this time. "
"Very sorry to hear of Dick's passing, he always had a smile and was a kind man. Our sympathy to your family. "
"Ramona and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I miss him so. My cheeks always hurt from laughing after visiting with him. Especially when he got on a roll telling stories about the family he was so so proud of. My thoughts are with you all. "
"Stephanie and family....so sorry for your loss. I have so many fond memories of your family as I was growing up. He was a great man and will be greatly missed by many!!"
"Ramona, Paul, Gordie, Jordan & Matt Our since sympathy to you and also to the other family members. Lloyd & Joleen"
"Ramona and family, So sorry to hear about Dick. He was a great guy. Always had a smile no matter how bad he felt. Thanks for sharing his life with so many families and friends. God bless."
"Stephanie and family: You have my sincere sympathy with the lose of your father, grandfather, and spouse. Keep the wonderful memories alive and watch for the little signs that he sends you in the future to remind you that he is forever in your hearts. Hugs to you all, "
"Ramona and Family, you have my sympathy and prayers. I am so very sorry for your loss. I will never forget time spent in the bean fields, decades ago, and later in life, listening to Dick tell stories about his kids and grandchildren. He was proud of you all. I hope your special memories bring comfort and smiles in the days ahead. Love, Kari Blake-Schany"