Thompson, Harold William 'Tom'

Harold William “Tom” Thompson, 78, of Cedar Rapids, died Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, at his home following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Funeral services for Harold will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Phillips Family Center, 605 Second Ave., Vinton, with the Rev. Stewart Royce officiating. Visitation will be from noon until service time at the Family Center on Saturday. Interment will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Vinton, with graveside military rites conducted by the Geo. G. Luckey American Legion Post 57 and Iowa Military Funeral Honors.

Harold William Thompson was born Oct. 22, 1932, in Ames, Iowa, the son of Calvin and Lulu (Erickson) Thompson. He attended schools in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Robins and graduated from Eagle Grove High School in 1951. In 1952, he enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country in the Korean War. He was stationed in Korea and attained the rank of sergeant. Following his service he worked as a surveyor for the Iowa Highway Commission before becoming a plumber. Harold was a proud member of Local 125 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union for over 49 years.

Harold was a 40-year member of Cedar Christian Church in Cedar Rapids, where he served as a deacon, elder and member of the Property Department. More recently he was a member of Noelridge Christian Church.

He was actively involved in scouting and the soap box derby with his children. He enjoyed gardening, being outdoors, reading western novels and completing countless projects over the years.

In life he will be remembered for his strong Christian faith, his loving devotion to his family, his can-do attitude and keen wit.

Harold is survived by his wife, Dora of Cedar Rapids; his children, Brad (Lanette) Thompson, Ross Thompson, David (Kathy) Thompson, John (Dawn) Thompson, Trisha (Daniel) Ives and Jennifer (Jason) Johnson; 15 grandchildren; one sister, Jan Greenfield; and three brothers, Jon Kirchoff, Michael Kirchoff and Joseph Kirchoff.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Dorothy Peterson.

A memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at: .

Published Oct. 13, 2011, in The Gazette