Obituary of Robert F. Thompson

Robert F. "Bob" Thompson, 88, of Iowa City, died May 7 at Briarwood Health Care Center in Iowa City from complications of Parkinson's disease. He was a long-time Iowa City resident and former manager of the University of Iowa Printing Service. Bob was born May 9, 1924 in Alma, Michigan, to Fred and Georgia (Wilkins) Thompson. He graduated from Ute, Iowa High School in 1941 and the University of Iowa School of Journalism in 1948. Bob's college years were interrupted by World War II. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was stationed on Okinawa, where he served as a company clerk. In October 1947, Bob married fellow journalism student Carol Racker of Waverly, Iowa. After their graduation in 1948, they worked together at newspapers in Maquoketa, Lone Tree, and Independence. Bob was working at the Waverly Publishing Company in 1956 when he was offered a position with the Department of Publications at the University of Iowa. He served as manager of the Printing Service for 29 years, retiring in 1986. Bob and Carol then moved to Cherokee Village, Arkansas, and spent 17 years there, volunteering their time with community service organizations and projects. In 2003 they returned to Iowa City to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Preceding Bob in death were his sister Thelma Steele of Fresno, California and his son-in-law Kenn Adams of Iowa City. Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Carol; three children, Betty Adams of Iowa City, Fred Thompson (Cheri) of Highland Park, Illinois, and Bill Thompson (Pam) of Iowa City; a brother, Jack Thompson (Beverly) of Tucson, Arizona; grandchildren Trina Thompson, Bryan Thompson (Sami), Christy Day (Tad) and Alex Adams (Kate); and ten great-grandchildren. According to Bob's wishes, his body has been donated to the University of Iowa Deeded Body program. Friends may call at Briarwood Health Care Center, 605 Greenwood Drive in Iowa City, on Saturday May 11 from 2-4pm to greet the family and share memories of Bob. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Bob's name to Hospice of Iowa City, 1025 Wade Street.