Douglas Thompson Obituary
Obituary published on Legacy.com by Iles Dunn’s Funeral Home on Sep. 19, 2025.
Douglas Devon Thompson, 80, of Prole, Iowa, passed away peacefully at home on August 6, 2025, surrounded by his family after a nine-year battle with colon cancer.
Born November 18, 1944, in Des Moines to Dallas Thompson and Virginia (Fredregill) Klemm, Doug was raised by his grandmother, Inez Thompson, near the Iowa State Capitol. A 1962 graduate of Des Moines Tech High School, he excelled in math and wrestled before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS Enterprise and USS America. He was honorably discharged in 1965 and attended Drake University.
On February 26, 1966, he married Nona Jean Miller, and together they raised five children, starting in Pleasant Hill and in 1981 moving to just outside Bevington. Doug worked various jobs before co-founding Iowa Des Moines Acoustical in 1970, and in 1982, started Thompson Acoustical Ceilings. He was known as the wizard of ceilings with over a 50-year career. He also farmed in Milo and later in Bevington, where he grew crops and raised cattle.
Doug loved riding his Harley to Sturgis, traveling west, and taking family road trips filled with music, laughter, and Skee-Ball prizes. He also loved planting and harvest seasons when he got to ride in his tractors or combines.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, wife Nona (2016), his Grandmother Inez (West) Thompson, Father Dallas & Marjorie (Priebe) Thompson, Mother Virginia (Fredregill) & John Klemm, Aunt Jeanie Stueland, sister-in-law Donna Miller, and brother-in-law William Lloyd. He didn't ever consider having stepparents, but loved and was blessed with all of them.
Douglas is survived by his children, Nicole (Richard) Bunch of Bevington, Christine (Jon) Klingaman of Cloquet, MN, Denyse Thompson of Bevington, Shane (Rebecca) Thompson of Bevington and Zeb Thompson of Des Moines, grandchildren, Johnathon (Courtney) Bunch and Sarah (David) Grosvenor both of Phoenix, AZ, Chloe' Klingaman (Joe Dietz) of Rochester, MN, Jacob Klingaman of Cloquet, MN, Zach Bunch and Charlotte Thompson both of Bevington, a great grandchild Sloane Bunch of Phoenix, AZ, brothers, sisters, and sisters-in-law, Steve (Patty) Thompson (Altoona), Regina Lloyd (Linden), John (Fern) Klemm (Mack's Creek, MO), Mike (Cindy Street) Thompson (Altoona), Terry Lynn Thompson (Des Moines) and Pam Miller (Sacramento, CA).
Doug's wishes were to be cremated and no services, but his children will be hosting a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 13th, 2025, at Shane & Rebecca's shop - 3371 - 200th Lane, Prole, IA from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm. All are welcome! Memorials may be sent in Doug's name to the family for a future memorial destination.