William J. Thompson

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William John "Bill" Thompson, 86, peacefully passed away at Amberwell Hiawatha on October 15, 2025. His life was a testament to the values of hard work, curiosity, and compassion.

Bill was born on February 24, 1939 in rural Woodlawn, Kansas, to Arthur "Bud" and Lois (McClain) Thompson. From an early age, he and his two brothers learned the importance of community and integrity. He attended a one-room Woodlawn school through 8th grade and then graduated from Sabetha High School in 1957. As a farm boy, he was active in 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA). In 1962, he married Julia Feek of Dawson, Nebraska; together, they built a family that included three children-Diana, David, and Steven.

Bill worked as a machinist for many years-first at Wilde Tool Company in Hiawatha and then at Wenger Manufacturing in Sabetha, where he retired in 2005. He also nurtured the simple but profound connection he had always had with the land by farming part-time in Brown and Nemaha Counties. Bill was a talented craftsman whose strong work ethic and attention to detail earned him the respect of all who knew him. His inquisitive nature and willingness to share his knowledge sparked a lifelong love of science and technology among his children and grandchildren.

Bill embodied the spirit of service and actively contributed to his community. From 1956 to 1964, he honorably served his country as a member of the Army National Guard. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hiawatha for more than 60 years, having served as both a trustee and member of the Session. He had also been a member of the Woodlawn Cemetery Board as well as a member of the Board of Zoning Appeals in Hiawatha.

Those who knew and worked or served with Bill will remember him for his humility, kindness, and curiosity; his legacy will be carried on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Vaughn Thompson, and his brother and sister-in-law Darryl and Wilma Thompson. He is survived by his wife Julia of Hiawatha; their daughter Diana (Mark) Dean of Newburg, Missouri; their sons David (Lisa) Thompson of Hiawatha and Steven (Tammy) Thompson of Platte City, Missouri; six grandchildren: Levi (Desiree) Thompson, Haley Thompson, Marshall Dean, Marina (Brandon) Steger, Ryker Travis, and Luke Thompson; five great-grandchildren: Paxton Thompson, Brekken Thompson, Josiah Dean, Mallory Steger, and Markus Steger; sister-in-law Marjorie Thompson of Auburn, Kansas; four nephews; two nieces; and several other extended family members.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am Monday, October 20, 2025 at the First Presbyterian Church in Hiawatha, with Pastor Cheryl Mishler officiating. Visitation will be held at the church at 10:00 am (one hour prior to the service). Burial will take place at the Woodlawn Cemetery at 2:15 pm that afternoon.

Friends may call at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, Hiawatha after 12 noon until 5 p.m. Sunday.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the William Thompson Memorial Fund (to be designated later), sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S. 7th Street, Hiawatha, Kansas 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com