Michael "Mick" H. Thompson

Michael Herman “Mick” Thompson, of Exira, Iowa passed away on December 26, 2018, comforted by his family, after a courageous fight with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Mick was born April 25, 1945 in Maryville, Missouri to Herman Edward and Dorothy (Cordell) Thompson. Mick grew up on the family farm in Quitman, MO, and attended school there until his sophomore year in high school when 4 local towns were consolidated into 1 school district. As a result, he met his wife of 51 years, Judy (LaMar) Thompson. Both had an affection and aptitude for basketball, and were accomplished players on their teams. After high school he attended Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, and graduated with a Master’s Degree in Industrial Technology. He married Judy on May 28, 1967, and they moved to Exira to become teachers shortly after. Mick passed on his knowledge of industrial arts, including metal and woodworking (along with his famous phrase, “good-e-nuff”) to many students who have remained in contact throughout life. After 9 years of teaching, Mick found his true calling of selling cars after dealing with, and later working for the local car dealership and Harvey Larsen at Larsen Ford Mercury in Exira. He worked there for almost 30 years, forming lifelong friendships with coworkers and clients until retiring from and closing the business in 2005. Over the years Mick dealt with thousands of people, creating a network of friends and fellow car enthusiasts nationwide. Mick’s buying and selling was not just a job, it was his hobby as well. Buying and selling countless vehicles throughout the years, he was a collector of classic Ford cars and trucks, as well as motorcycles and John Deere tractors. Mick loved working outside and enjoyed nature, especially trees. The Quitman farm was a lifetime labor of love for him, and remains in the family to this day.
Mick was a beloved father and role model for his children, the late Stacy Lynn, born in December of 1969, and Zachary Michael, born in October of 1973. He is survived by his immediate family; Judy Claire (LaMar) Thompson of Exira, Iowa; his son Zachary (Kelli) Thompson, their two daughters, Caroline and Eliza all of Austin, Texas; his step grandchildren Matthew Hofmeyer and Katelyn Jepsen both of Pocahontas, Iowa; his brothers, Nolan Bruce (Sue) Thompson of Burlington Junction, Missouri, and Aaron Lundia (Sylvia) Thompson of Marion, Iowa; nieces, nephews, many cousins, and friends. Mick was a hard worker and never quit until the job was done. This was true in his fight against IPF as well, remaining hopeful and maintaining his determination to see his grandchildren grow up to the very end. Although he will be sorely missed by those that were close to him, he can now peacefully reminisce and laugh with Stacy about all the simple, special details that only a family household that lives a lifetime together can know.
The family will meet with friends Thursday evening January 3, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held Friday morning, January 4, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. at the Kessler Funeral Home in Exira, Iowa. Pastor Clinton Francisco officiating. Inurnment will be in the LaMar Cemetery near Elmo Missouri at 3:30 p.m. The honorary casket bearers will be Greg Baier, Mitch Munch, Gary Vais, Pat Petersen, Robert Hansen, David Dunfee, Wayne James, and the Larsen Ford Family.
The family prefers gifts in memoriam will be distributed to the Exira Community Club, the Quitman Cemetery, the LaMar Cemetery Endowment in Missouri, and online to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in Mick’s name http://igfn.us/vf/PFFTribute/MichaelThompson or : https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ways-to-give/honor-a-loved-one