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Donna Thompson Obituary
Dr. Donna Jean Thompson
June 26, 1939 - August 26, 2023
CEDAR FALLS - Dr. Donna Jean Thompson, age 84, of Cedar Falls, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at Creekside Living in Grundy Center. Dr. Thompson was a Professor Emerita in Physical Education at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and the Founder of the National Program for Playground Safety (NPPS). She was born June 26, 1939, in Seattle, Washington to Charles and Grace (Arney) Thompson. She graduated from Queen Anne's High School in Seattle; received her B.A. in Physical Education and Home Economics from Western Washington State University; M.A. in New and Old Testament at Wheaton; and a Ph.D. at the Ohio State University in Physical Education 1974.
Dr. Thompson was recognized by numerous national awards, however, her greatest accomplishment and legacy was in the differences she made in children's lives across the nation through her advocacy efforts to make America's play areas safe. She served on the Black Hawk, YWCA Board of Directors, and the Board of Conestoga Girl Scouts, was active in the choir at Nazareth Lutheran Church, and was a volunteer with the American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity.
Dr. Thompson is survived by her brother, Dale (Diane) Thompson of Lacey, Washington; sister-in-law, Linda Thompson of Longview, Washington; several nieces and nephews; close friend, Shirley Shogren and family; and her NPPS colleagues, Dr. Susan Hudson and Dr. Heather Olsen who continued to provide support and care during her lengthy illness. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Dick Thompson.
A Celebration of Life service will occur on March 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Larsen Chapel at Nazareth Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls (use entrance #7 off University Ave). In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Donna J. Thompson (Playground) Trust; Nazareth Lutheran Church – Music Fund or Blessed Beginnings; or Habitat for Humanity. Full obituary and more information available at www.DahlFuneralHome.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Donna Thompson
Sponsored by Dahl - Van Hove - Schoof Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
1 Entry
Dr. Sherry Gable
March 20, 2024
Enjoyed sharing time with Donna at many committee
meetings in the College of Education and University of Northern Iowa.
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