Martha Sprugel Thompson

Martha S. Thompson, 88, of Johnston, Iowa peacefully joined her Lord and Savior on August 30, 2009. Martha was born on March 13, 1921 in Williams, Iowa. She was baptized at Williams United Methodist Church, where she attended until her marriage to Archie Thompson in 1943. Martha attended school in Williams, Iowa and graduated in 1938. Following high school, she attended Waldorf Junior College in Forest City, Iowa and graduated with a two-year degree from Ellsworth Junior College in Iowa Falls, Iowa in 1940. She later received her B.S. from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa in 1971.
Martha was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-five years, Archie Thompson; her parents, George Sprugel, Sr. and Frances (Strong) Sprugel; three brothers, Dr. George Sprugel, Jr., John Sprugel and Dr. Charles Sprugel; two sisters, Frances Hollingsworth and Alice Ose; an infant sister and infant grandson.
Martha took pride in and dearly loved her entire family. She is survived by her three children, son Dennis (Kathryn) Thompson of Aledo, TX; daughters, Allene "Cookie" (Jerry) Cranston of Johnston, IA and Nancy (Jerry) Kastengren of Dublin, OH; five grandchildren, Carrie (Brenden) Stephens of Urbandale, IA, Scott (Olympia) Kastengren of Portland, OR, Gregg Kastengren of Mansfield, OH, Matthew Thompson of Abilene, TX, Jennie (Clint) Leonard of Rathdrum, ID; five great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Gracie and Lindsay Stephens, Noah Kastengren and Carson Leonard; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law and friends. She will be sadly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Martha and her siblings enjoyed small-town life in Williams, Iowa, and she lovingly reminisced about her roots until the very end. One of her fondest memories was playing three-court basketball as jumping center and forward. She was coached in high school by Al Comito and Martha Shedd, wife of author and lecturer Charlie Shedd. Martha played college basketball as well. Later, spectator sports were a passion, particularly college basketball and football.
Martha's love of children and learning led her to a 32-year career of teaching in elementary schools. She prided herself in helping reluctant readers become avid readers. Her career began in Hamilton County Township 4 and Township 7 rural schools and continued in Williams, Boone Valley, Jefferson, Alta and Belle Plaine, Iowa. Upon retirement, Martha and her husband thoroughly enjoyed seven years in Mission, Texas, where she continued teaching as a substitute.
More of Martha's passions were cooking, baking and being a gracious hostess. She was a fabulous cook and was happiest when she could share her cuisine with others. She was truly in her element when she was in her kitchen. Various favorite family recipes were usually in her luggage when she traveled.
Martha's greatest love was her family! She also especially enjoyed libraries, reading and word searches; fishing; picnics; and her e-mail station.
Martha's family extends a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Tyler Casey, Dr. David Saggau, Dr. Mark Bissing and Dr. Mark Burdt, Iowa Health Home Care, Iowa Health Hospice, and her dear friends for their exceptional care and support as her health failed. Other caregivers included Suzi Anderson, Teri Christiansen, Janice Johnson and Connie Thompson.
Visitation with Martha's family will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, Iowa. A celebration of her life will be held at Williams United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 5, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. Burial of cremated remains will be at Williams Township Cemetery following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Iowa Health Hospice, 11333 Aurora Avenue, Urbandale, IA 50322 or the Williams City Library, 216 Main St., Williams, IA 50271
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Print