Eldon Thompson Grinnell, Iowa Obituary

Eldon Thompson

Eldon Thompson, 82, of Anamosa and formerly of Grinnell, died on Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Pinicon Place in Anamosa. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 27, 2021 at the Smith Funeral Home in Grinnell with Pastor John Epperson officiating. The service will be live streamed on the Smith Funeral Home Facebook page beginning at 9:45 am. Interment will be at Bethel Cemetery north of Lynnville. A reception will follow in the Heritage Room of the Smith Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm on Sunday at the Smith Funeral Home and his family will receive friends from 2:00 pm until 5:00 pm. Memorials may be designated to the Grinnell Tiger Booster Club or St. Croix Hospice and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home, PO Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112. Memories and condolences may be shared with Eldon’s family online at www.smithfh.com. Eldon A Thompson was born on May 6, 1939 in Grinnell, Iowa to Robert and Naomi (Anderson) Thompson. He was raised in Grinnell and graduated with the Grinnell High School class of 1957. Eldon was united in marriage to Kathryn Elaine Hockey on July 5, 1958 in Unionville, Missouri. The couple was blessed with three children, Kurt, Rhonda, and Rhinda. They raised their family in Grinnell and Eldon was a long-time employee and leader at Farmhand in Grinnell. His favorite job was driving students, faculty, and administrators at Grinnell College to their various destinations. He enjoyed making new friends and visiting with the students while traveling in the vehicle. Eldon was an amazing dad and granddaddy. The highlights of his life were the family vacations, especially the annual gathering at Adventureland in Des Moines. He held a passion for athletics and most folks in attendance would be impressed by his loud voice, especially the officials. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He will be remembered for the strong love of his family, for being his family’s biggest cheerleader, and for his personable and fun-loving demeanor. Eldon is survived by his son, Kurt (Kim) Thompson of Port St. Lucie, FL; two daughters, Rhonda Bjelland of Marion, IA, and Rhinda (Mike) Hagge of Hiawatha, IA; grandchildren, Ryan Thompson, Rick (McKenzie) Thompson, Kale (Brad) Brunson, Steven (Nicole Christenson) Goedken, and Scott (Danielle) Goedken; great grandchildren, Elijah, Isaac, Isaiah Thompson, Avery, and Camden Thompson, Ryker and Rielle Brunson, and Lucy Goedken; and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Harold, Howard, and Frank Thompson, and two sisters, Mildred Turner and Grace Riddle.
May 6, 1939 - September 12, 202105/06/193909/12/2021
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2 trees planted in memory of Eldon Thompson.
C
CE Team at Corteva Agriscience
September 24, 2021
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss... Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Garden Path

Garden Path was purchased for the family of Eldon Thompson.

S
Stella and Dennis Fleener
September 22, 2021
Eldon was a very good friend. Sympathy to his family. Prayers to all.
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Doug Callison
September 21, 2021
So sorry to for your loss Kurt, Rhonda and Rhinda. Your Dad was always a great time to be around! Have never forgotten the Christmas Eves Joe Nixon and I spent with your family playing board games. May he Rest In Peace. Love to all three of you.
T
Tribute Store
September 21, 2021
My sincere sympathy to Rhinda, Mike, Curt, Kim and Rhonda, and to Granddad's entire family. It was a real privilege to know Eldon.
Stairway To The Heavens

Stairway To The Heavens was purchased for the family of Eldon Thompson.

P
Penny Krause
September 17, 2021
Rhinda, Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Brad, Penny, Alex, Jenny and Laura

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Eldon Thompson. Plant a tree

S
Saundy Anderson
September 16, 2021
My favorite Uncle! Always there when I needed him. The life and light of every family reunion, parade, athletic event and pizza run! He will be greatly missed!! Love you so much! Looking forward to the family heavenly reunion! Hug mom!
R
Rick and Gigi Burkett
September 16, 2021
Thinking of all the family at this difficult time! Eldon was such a presence of support for Grinnell sports!! I know you must have many memories!

1 memorial tree was planted in memory of Eldon Thompson. Plant a tree

T
Tribute Store
September 15, 2021
With deepest sympathy,
Simplicity

Simplicity was purchased for the family of Eldon Thompson.

M
Monte, Kelly, Tim and Jess Hagge
September 15, 2021
We are so sorry for your great loss.
Inspiring Sunset

Inspiring Sunset was purchased for the family of Eldon Thompson.

J
JT Anderson and Family
September 14, 2021
I will always remember Uncle Eldon’s contagious laughter! Also, never knew a guy that could hold so many pieces of bubble gum in his pocket. My kids always loved that about him! Heaven got another good one with Uncle Eldon!