Sheldon Thompson

SHELDON THOMPSON

Van Horne

Sheldon Thompson, 90, left this earthly life to be in his eternal home with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016. A visitation will be held on Friday, Sept. 16, at Phillips Funeral Home in Keystone from 4 to 7 p.m. On Saturday, Sept. 17, a celebration of life will be held at 10:30 a.m. at Salem United Methodist Church in Van Horne. Interment will be held at Salem Cemetery, with graveside military rites by Thomas F. Bevins American Legion Post

148 of Van Horne and Iowa Military Funeral Honors. Everyone is invited to a luncheon, which will be served at the Van Horne Community Center.

Sheldon, also fondly known as "Swede," was born May 29, 1926, in Van Horne to Ralph and Joy (Rieke) Thompson. He attended country school near Van Horne and later graduated from Van Horne High School. Then he proudly served his country for 22 months during World War II in Germany. On July 18, 1948, Sheldon married Bernice Kuhl in Van Horne. He farmed with Bernice, as well as his son and grandson, for his entire life north of Van Horne. He was a lifelong member of his church, a founding member of Van Horne Lions Club, (otherwise known as the pancake maker) a 70-plus-year member of the Van Horne Legion, and a longtime member of the Masonic Order. He enjoyed woodworking all of his life, which included building his own home, fine furniture, holiday crafts and specially designed family mementos. In his later years, he enjoyed gardening, reading and many special fishing trips with his family and friends. Of all his interests, spending time with his family was his greatest joy.

Sheldon leaves a legacy of love, including his wife, Bernice; and five children, Joan (Dennis) Feddersen of Fort Dodge, Jane (Dean) Schminke of Vinton, Nancy Burhenn of Gilbert, David (Theresa) Thompson of Van Horne and Jim (Tamie) Thompson of Manistee, Mich. His legacy continues with 14 grandchildren, Aaron (Sarah) Feddersen, Grant Feddersen, Jared (Karine) Feddersen, Nick (Alexis) Schminke, Amy (Joe) Vislisel, Alison (Aaron) Eckert, Lindsay (Aron) Bierbaum, Zach Burhenn, Colby (Becky) Burhenn, Tyler Burhenn, Ben Thompson, Beth Thompson, Mackenzie Thompson and Seth Thompson. His loving legacy continued to include 10 great-grandchildren, Peter, Calvin and Miriam Feddersen, Marie and Tess Feddersen, Piper Schminke, Henry Vislisel, Conrad Eckert and Hudson and Ivy Bierbaum. He also is survived by three sisters-in-law; a brother-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers and two sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family in memory of Sheldon.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Vinton Lutheran Home and Virginia Gay Hospital for the loving care Sheldon received in his final days. The family also is greatly appreciative of Dr. Kettelkamp and his staff at UnityPoint Cardiology, who compassionately cared for Sheldon.

Condolences may be left at www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com.