Jeff Thompson

Jeff Thompson, 68, of Brooklyn, died on Friday, February 13, 2026, at UnityPoint Grinnell Regional Medical Center from complications of cancer.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Michael J. Manatt Community Center in Brooklyn. A luncheon will follow the service at the Michael J. Manatt Community Center. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Brooklyn.

The family will receive friends at the visitation held from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at the Michael J. Manatt Community Center in Brooklyn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to the Brooklyn Community Garden and mailed in care of the Smith Funeral Home and Crematory, PO Box 342, Brooklyn, IA 52211. Memories and condolences may be shared with Jeff's family online at www.smithfh.com.

Jeffery Owen Thompson was born on January 6, 1958, in Oelwein, Iowa, to James and Jeanette (Vine) Thompson. He was raised in Decorah, Iowa, and graduated from Decorah High School with the Class of 1976. He continued his education at Luther College in Decorah, where he met his future wife, Mary Jo Manatt.

Jeff and Mary Jo were united in marriage on September 25, 1982, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brooklyn. Together they made their home in Brooklyn, where they raised their children and built a life centered on faith, family, and the simple joys they shared.

Jeff began his working career with Iowa Erosion Control before starting his longtime career at Manatts in Brooklyn. He was a dedicated and dependable worker throughout his many years there, forming lasting friendships and meaningful relationships along the way.

Family meant everything to Jeff. He dearly loved his children and grandchildren and treasured the time spent with them. Known affectionately as "Grandpa Jeffy," he created lasting memories filled with warmth and laughter. He shared his love of music, often playing the piano and singing to his favorite tunes. He also passed along his appreciation for the outdoors by "teaching" them survival skills such as whittling, fire starting, and pitching tents. He shared with his grandchildren the simple joys that filled his heart, passing down the moments and memories the grandchildren will cherish forever.

Jeff was a member of The Living Church of God. Attending church services each week was something Jeff truly looked forward to. His church family held a special place in his heart, and he deeply cherished the fellowship they shared. Some of his fondest memories included celebrating the Feast of Tabernacles, enjoying meals together after services, and engaging in heartfelt conversations that strengthened their bond and faith.

Jeff loved the simple things in life, like taking trips back to his hometown of Decorah, especially when his mom made her fried fish. Another one of Jeff's favorite meals was sauerkraut and hot dogs with Plochman's mustard and Lay's potato chips, and he loved sharing it with everyone. He also enjoyed watching Star Trek and jamming out to the O Brother, Where Art Thou? soundtrack. In his free time, he volunteered at the Brooklyn Community Garden, always eager to lend a helping hand and connecting with the community.

Jeff will be remembered for his steady faith, his love of family, his quirky personality, and the many ways he enriched the lives of those around him.

Jeff is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary Jo Thompson of Brooklyn; their children, Jordan Thompson of Phoenix, AZ and his children, Jack and Gracie; Jamie Thompson of Brooklyn and her children, Sully, Ana and Simon; Justus Thompson of Des Moines; Jana Thompson of Brooklyn and her children, Tyrek, Tyrus and Tempo; Jawny (Colton) Massengale of Brooklyn and their children, Josey and Jones; his foreign exchange children whom he loved as his own, Ahmed Noman of Yemen, Elena Bulatova of Ukraine, and Raffy Rifaie of Palestine; his mother, Jenny Thompson of Decorah; his siblings, Jon Thompson of Calmar and Julie (Jim) Barry of Silver Spring, MD; along with many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jim Thompson.