Douglas Thompson Obituary

Douglas Dean Thompson, 87 of the Cottage Grove Place community peacefully passed away on Sunday January 19, 2025. Doug was born to Virgil and Elizabeth Thompson on November 16, 1937 in Faribault County, Minnesota. He married Susan Bowdish on June 20,1959 in Anamosa, Iowa. Doug and Susan moved to Cottage Grove in 2019 and shortly thereafter they were both diagnosed with dementia. Susan passed away in November of 2024. Doug grew up in Bricelyn, Minnesota where he participated in many activities and was the pride and joy of his loving parents. Just before Doug's senior year in high school his family moved to Anamosa, Iowa where he graduated high school. Doug spent four years at the University of Iowa earning his degree and developing a lifelong passion for the Hawkeyes. Doug delivered newspapers in the dorms to save money for an engagement ring. He had fallen head over heels for an Iowa State Cyclone! This was a story he loved to share and one year the Des Moines Register published his story. Doug's first job after college was in Columbus, Nebraska. A few years later he was drafted and, following basic training, was assigned to Ft. Hood Army Base in Texas. Doug would go on to have jobs with Sinclair Oil and MetLife before eventually settling in Cedar Rapids. This is where he began his career with the Department of Defense for the United States government. Doug was an avid golfer. He would start as early in the season as possible and play until the snow started to fly. He always walked the course and hit an occasional hole in one. He had a love for travel, taking his family on trips across the country every year. He and Susan enjoyed traveling to over 20 countries. His passion for the Iowa Hawkeyes took him to many bowl games and every home game with his 40 plus years as a season ticket holder. In addition to golf and the Iowa Hawkeyes Doug spent many hours volunteering at St. Paul's United Methodist Church. He served as president of his HOA for several years. He was active in bible study, thrift mart and ushering. He loved baseball, photography and woodworking. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage and Lefsa making was an annual event. If he ever had any downtime, Susan was sure to find something for him to do. Doug was a man of great faith, he was kind, giving and loved his family deeply. He made every effort to attend any event that his grandchildren were participating in. He was lucky enough to see all four of them graduate college, even if it was from Iowa State! Survivors include daughter, Jill Rich (Jebb), son, Jeff Thompson (Laurel), four grandchildren, Tyler Rich (Jordan), Megan Crocker (Jason), AJ Rich (Emily), Kaitlin Rich (Losiel), five great grandchildren, Charlotte Rich, Thompson Crocker, Reece Rich, Jasper and Oakley Moore, sister-in-laws, Rosalee Heffron (Warren) and Julie Dickinson (Don). Doug was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Pamela (1960-1962) and his wife, Susan of 65 years. The family would like to thank Cottage Grove and St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional care and support given to Doug. Funeral Service: 11:30 am Monday January 27th at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Memorials may be made to the Puppy Jake Foundation: Puppy Jake Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping military veterans through the assistance of well bred, socialized and professionally trained service dogs.