Thompson, Robert Arthur

did graduate study at Northwestern College in Chicago.

Robert was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity, Retired Officers Association, a past member of the Sioux City Museum Board and past president of Sioux City Advertising Club. He was a member of the First Congregational Church in Sioux City. In his younger days he was a voracious reader who would weekly visit the library. He loved to discuss politics and the day's news. He enjoyed playing golf with his buddies and playing racquetball. Bob had a quick wit that would put a smile on many a face. He was a kind and compassionate man.

Robert served in England during World War II. He was recalled to active duty in the Air Force for the Korean War in 1950. He reported to Chanute Field at Champaign, Ill., and then to Camp Stoneman in California. He was then sent to Anchorage, Alaska, Elmendorf Air Force Base. Bob retired after 22 years of military service with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He was proud of his military service.

Bob was employed by LOOK magazine (Meredith Corp) in Des Moines right after college. He lived on Grand and was able to walk to work. However, shortly World War II broke out and he left his job and joined the armed forces. Sears Headquarters in Chicago was his next employer. He was a writer in the advertising department. Soon after that he was recalled for the Korean War. After a few years in Alaska at Elmendorf Air Force Base, he and Shirley moved to his hometown of Sioux City to start a family and built their home on Sunset Circle. He retired in 1978 from Iowa Public Service Company, in Sioux City in the Communications Department.

Bob considered himself fortunate to have a good marriage and built a life with the woman he loved. Bob and Shirley met on a blind date arranged by one of the nurses in Chicago. They were married May 28, 1949 at the Thorndike Hilton Chapel on the University of Chicago campus.

Instead of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Ronald L. Mahany Endowment Fund, St. Luke's Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Bob's family wishes to thank the kind and compassionate staff of Memory Care at Cottage Grove and Mercy Hospice.

Please sign the online guest book for Bob at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Aug. 22, 2012.