Joseph Frederick Thompson, the son of Clifford and Margaret (Beschorner) Thompson, was born October 4, 1938 in Palo Alto County, IA.  He grew up on a farm near Lake Center, IA, where he received his education, graduating from Lake Center High School.  After his schooling, he entered the military and served with the U.S. Army from 1957 until his Honorable Discharge in 1959.

     Joe married Pat Kabrick on October 7, 1961, in Ruthven, IA.  Following their marriage, they lived in rural Langdon, IA, where Joe farmed with his father-in-law, Dale Kabrick during the early years of his marriage.  He later worked as a truck driver for CCC for three years.  They moved into the town of Spencer in 1991, where he worked maintenance for the City of Spencer for several years.  He was a longtime member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Spencer.  In his early years, he enjoyed playing fast pitch softball for more than 20 years and traveling throughout Iowa.  He also enjoyed bowling and golfing.  He was a huge Hawkeye fan and most of all, he enjoyed watching his grandchildren in all of their sporting events.

     Joe passed away at his home in Spencer, IA on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the age of 80.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Patricia; one daughter, Joanna “Jody” Mowery; one brother, Gene Thompson; and 2 sisters, Molly Nissen and Margaret Ann Thompson.

     Left to cherish his memory are his 2 children, Michelle “Shelly” Bauer of Spencer, IA; and Mark (Marie) Thompson of Fostoria, IA; 6 grandchildren, Tricia and Jacob Bauer, Josh Thompson, and Erin, Tyler and Cody Mowery; one great-grandson, Kendrick Mowery; 2 brothers, James (Dorothy “Dedie”) Thompson of Milford, IA and Lawrence “Si” Thompson of Langdon, IA; other relatives; and many friends.