Bill Thompsen

William “Bill” LaVern Thompsen entered the world on September 24, 1946, at Jennie Edmundson Hospital in Council Bluffs, Iowa, the youngest child of Adele Ruth (League) and William Thompsen. He grew up in Walnut, Iowa, with his older sisters, Mary Lou and Jeri.

He was baptized on March 31, 1947, and later became a member of the United Church of Christ in Walnut. Bill graduated from Walnut Community School in 1965. That same year, he enlisted in the United States Navy as a Seabee. He served two tours in Vietnam, earning the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class in MCB53 (Mobile Construction Battalion 53) before his honorable discharge in 1969. His service remained an immense point of pride throughout his life.

On May 31, 1970, Bill married Glenna Kay Siegling after six months of dating. Their wedding, held at the Congregational United Church of Christ in Redfield, South Dakota, marked the beginning of 55 years of partnership, laughter, and deep devotion. Together they raised two children, Stephanie Jo and Dean William.

He worked a range of jobs, from masonry and construction with Gordon and Jim Tooley to trucking and farming for Darrell Stamp. He enjoyed trucking most. In 1978, he earned an associate’s degree in Electronics from Iowa Western Community College. Bill also volunteered as a Cub Scout leader from 1982-1986.

In August 1994, Bill underwent surgery to remove a benign tumor from his spinal cord. The procedure left him an incomplete quadriplegic and ended his working years far earlier than he ever imagined.

Bill was known for his lifelong sense of humor, always ready to joke around or do a bit of teasing. He found joy in small‑town life: “going to coffee” at the Villager, playing Euchre on Sunday nights, and spending time at Lafrentz Standard. Later in life, he loved playing computer games like Poker, Hearts, and Hidden Object puzzles and he could spend hours watching westerns, Jeopardy, or Ice Road Truckers while enjoying a “Diet Dew.” Country and gospel music were always playing somewhere nearby.

Bill passed away on January 20, 2026, at Atlantic Specialty Care – Care Initiatives in Atlantic, Iowa, at the age of 79 years, 3 months, and 27 days. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Glenna; his daughter, Stephanie and granddog Jonesy of Minneapolis, Minnesota; his son, Dean and granddog Fred of Letcher, South Dakota; his sisters, Mary Lou Willbrandt of Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, and Jeri McDaniel of Carolina Shores, North Carolina; nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends and neighbors who will miss him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; granddogs Charlie, Cassanova, and Izzy; brothers‑in‑law; and aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was laid to rest in Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut, Iowa, returning home to the community that shaped and loved him.

Bill’s family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care and compassion that the staff of Atlantic Specialty Care nursing and hospice provided during his six‑month stay.

Public visitation with the family will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Peace United Church of Christ in Walnut, IA, with Joyce Isaacson officiating the service. Committal with military honors will be held at Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut following the funeral. A luncheon will be held following the committal in the Fellowship Hall of the Church.

Memorials may be directed to the Bill Thompsen Family. They will be designated at a later date in Memory of Bill and may be mailed to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523, Atlantic, IA 50022.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic.