Robert Thompson
March 11, 2010
Robert Wells Thompson was born October 9, 1916 in a farm house located north of Altoona to Erma (Wells) and Dean Thompson and passed away Thursday, March 11, 2010 at Mitchell Village Care Center in Mitchellville.
Bob was raised in the Altoona and Colfax area and graduated from Altoona High School in 1934. Bob started his newspaper career at the Altoona Herald and then was employed at the Newton Daily News where he met his future wife Ruby Kincebach. Bob and Ruby were married on November 29, 1940. They later returned to Altoona when Bob was employed at the Des Moines Register and Tribune for 35 years before retiring from there. Bob enjoyed his newspaper background and was an avid collector of print shop memorabilia and established a complete turn of the century print shop in his basement. Bob was also known as the official historian for the Altoona area and enjoyed sharing his historical knowledge and memories. Bob was a member of the Altoona Christian Church, the Iowa Typographical Union and King David Lodge of Altoona. Bob enjoyed genealogy, traveling, and spent many of his retirement winters in Apache Junction, Arizona.
Bob is survived by his wife of 69 years, Ruby; his sons, Wesley (Alice) of Adel and Ron of St. Petersburg, Florida; daughter, Janet (Scott) Glass of Altoona; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; four step great-grandchildren; sister, June Tompkins of Minnesota and nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents and four sisters, Esther, Hazel, Rachel and Frances.
Visitation will be at Hamilton’s Altoona Funeral Home, 105 4th Street SW., from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 12, 2010. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the Altoona Christian Church, 2890 1st Ave. S., with burial to follow at the Altoona Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Memorial Fund at Altoona Christian Church in loving memory of Bob.
Online condolences to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Rhonda Riordan
03/15/2010
I managed the Iowa Genealogical Society from 1993-2000, and Bob was absolutely one of my favorite volunteers. He was one of those rare people who was excited about the things he loved, whether it be history or printing or genealogy, and his joy was contagious. I remember visiting his printing setup in the basement of his Altoona home, which somehow evolved into a tour of Altoona and a history lesson of the area. It was a fun day for me, having him share his knowledge and passion for these things.
He was a delightful man, and everyone that knew him will miss him. But his family surely finds comfort knowing that he brought so much to the world before he left it.
Evelyn Bunnell
03/12/2010
Sorry for your loss.
Evelyn Bunnell
Bob and Marvel Hall
03/12/2010
WE enjoyed knowing Bob, and hearing stories of Altoona he shared. Please accept our sympathies and prayers.
Bob and Marvel
Duane Crawford
03/12/2010
I too worked 35 years at the R&T but retired a little later than Bob. I worked nights all my life. I met Bob through Lodge first; later he invited me to his print shop in the basement of his home. Also stopped to see him in the print shop at the State Fair. I am sure Bob will be missed and the Grand Arcitect of the Universe will gladly accept him to the Grand Lodge above. Duane Crawford, 1501 S. Airport Dr., Weslaco, TX,78596
dcrawford@rgv.rr.com in case anyone is interested.