John LeRoy Thompson, 54, of New Providence, Iowa, died at his home from natural causes on Thursday, March 13, 2008. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, March 18, 2008 at Maple Hill Cemetery near Gladbrook with memorial services to follow at 6:00 pm at the Honey Creek New Providence Friends Church in New Providence. John's family will greet friends at the church following the memorial service. Memorials may be directed to Honey Creek New Providence Friends Church. Creps-Abels Funeral Home in Eldora is in charge of the arrangements. To send messages of condolence or to view the complete obituary, please visit www.abelsfuneralhomes.com.
John was born January 30, 1954 in Marshalltown, Iowa to Randy and Audrey (McKeever) Thompson. He was a 1972 graduate of Gladbrook High School and received a BA degree from Westmar College in LeMars, IA in 1976. He joined the teaching staff of New Providence Community School in the fall of 1976 where he taught various subjects for 26 years, focusing on History. During his years at NPCS he obtained his coaching endorsement, coaching football, basketball and track. He was the manager of the Gladbrook swimming pool for 16 years and was one of three in Iowa who had obtained an infant certification to teach swimming lessons. He certified many young people in Red Cross Swimming Lessons. He served with the New Providence town council for several years and was an active member of Honey Creek New Providence Friends Church where he served as choir director, trustee, Sunday school teacher, and on the flower committee. He enjoyed working with young people, working in his garden and sharing his talents with others.
Surviving is John's sister, Leora and husband David Dittmer of Minden, Iowa; brothers Jim Thompson and wife Shirley of Gladbrook and Roger Thompson and wife Kim of Gladbrook; nephews Weston (Lynn) Dittmer of Minden, Colburn Dittmer of Carbondale, Illinois, and Tanner Thompson of Gladbrook; nieces, Jodi (Ben) Fogt of Reinbeck, Bethany (Blare Murty) Thompson of Gladbrook, Kathy Thompson of Gladbrook, and NaTosha Barden of Big Lake, Minnesota; and by many aunts, cousins and wonderful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Randy and Audrey Thompson.