Thompson, Clifford 'Cliff'

Clifford “Cliff” Thompson, 89, died Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014, at the Keystone Nursing Care Center following an extended illness. Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 4, at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Van Horne, with Rev. David Lingard officiating. Interment will be at Salem Cemetery in Van Horne, with graveside military rites by Thomas F. Bevins American Legion Post 148 and Iowa Military Honors. Friends may call at St. Andrew Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall from 9 a.m. until service time Saturday.

Memorials may be directed to St. Andrew Lutheran Church Stained Glass Restoration Project.

Cliff was born Dec. 9, 1924, in rural Van Horne, to Ralph and Joy (Rieke) Thompson. He was baptized May 29, 1927, and confirmed April 4, 1950. He graduated from Van Horne High School in 1942. Cliff served his country in the United States Army in the 78th Lightning Division during World War II.

He was united in marriage to Lenore Schminke on Aug. 7, 1949, and enjoyed 63 years of marriage. Lenore preceded Cliff in death on Nov. 26, 2012. He farmed in the Van Horne area for many years.

Cliff was a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Benton County Cattlemen's Association, Thomas F. Bevins American Legion Post 148 and was a member and past board member of Tara Hills Country Club.

Cliff is survived by his children, Greg (Suzy) Thompson of Pilot Point, Texas, Diane (Dave) Kosbau of Brookings, S.D., Deb (Mike) Marinelli of Cato, N.Y., Gary (Julie) Thompson of Van Horne, and Cara (Eric) Gregory of Ankeny; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and his brother, Sheldon (Bernice) Thompson, and his sister, Lucille (Darwin) Struve, both of Van Horne

In addition to his wife, Lenore, he was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Marjorie Davis.

Phillips Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences may be left at: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.

Published Jan. 3, 2014 in The Gazette